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Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders
The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for the NFL draft as they aim to win another Lombardi Trophy. While they have multiple areas to address, the focus is expected to be on offense.
In the latest mock draft by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com, he predicts that the 49ers will select Texas tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders. Despite the team’s already stacked group of weapons, Zierlein believes that Sanders’ unique skill-set could be an appealing addition for head coach Kyle Shanahan.
According to Zierlein, Sanders may not excel in blocking, but he has the ability to beat man coverage and make tough catches. He would provide Shanahan with a size advantage in his offense.
Although Sanders may not be widely known among national college football fans, he has been on the NFL radar since his time in Austin, Texas. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing 256 pounds, Sanders possesses exceptional athleticism that will surely turn heads at the NFL combine.
Selecting a tight end in the early rounds raises questions about George Kittle, but Zierlein addresses this concern to some extent. Kittle is a well-rounded tight end known for his blocking abilities as much as his receiving skills. Sanders, on the other hand, is more of a project player who can be utilized alongside Kittle.
Originally from Denton, Texas, Sanders joined Texas’ 2021 recruiting class. As a freshman, he primarily played on special teams rather than on offense.
However, in 2022, Sanders received more opportunities and it paid off. He played in all 13 games, recording 54 receptions for 613 yards and five touchdowns. His size and speed made him a difficult matchup for safeties and linebackers, and he seemed poised for an even better season in 2023.
Unfortunately, Sanders’ performance in 2023 did not show significant improvement. He played in all 14 games, catching 45 passes for 682 yards and two touchdowns. While there may not have been a drastic improvement, he still showcased the qualities that the NFL looks for in a tight end.
In Zierlein’s draft profile of Sanders, he highlights his ability to navigate through route traffic and his quick burst and speed after the catch. These are the exact attributes that the modern NFL expects from tight ends.
reporter for Heavy.com. He covers a wide range of sports topics and is known for his in-depth analysis. In his latest article, Reier discusses the possibility of the San Francisco 49ers drafting Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey.
According to Pro Football Network’s Oliver Hodgkinson, the 49ers could potentially select McConkey in the first round. While McConkey primarily plays as a receiver, he is also considered a “hybrid” player, similar to current 49ers player Emmanuel Sanders.
The addition of McConkey to the 49ers’ offense would serve to further diversify their playstyle. It is not necessarily meant to replace current wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk or any other weapon on the team. Instead, it would provide the team with additional options and versatility.
During his time at Georgia, McConkey amassed an impressive 1687 receiving yards and scored a total of 18 touchdowns. His experience includes winning two College Football Playoff championships, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and win big games.
Overall, the potential addition of Ladd McConkey to the San Francisco 49ers is an exciting prospect. It would bring a new dynamic to their offense and provide them with a talented and versatile player. Only time will tell if the 49ers decide to draft McConkey, but it is certainly a possibility worth considering.
