The Buffalo Bills added to the defensive line in Round 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting defensive tackle TJ Sanders out of the University of South Carolina with the 41st overall pick.
The Bills select DT TJ Sanders from South Carolina. #BillsMafia | #NFLDraft | #BuiltInBuffalo pic.twitter.com/2fwjqHNI34
— Built in Buffalo (@BuiltInBuffalo_) April 25, 2025
Sanders is a 21-year old 3-technique defensive tackle that will help the Bills pass rush on the interior of the defensive line. He has a plethora of rush moves to get after the quarterback and will bring some energy to the defense. Sanders is able to fight off blocks well but will need to work on his hand placement. He has long arms and good overall size, adding to his potential. It’ll be fun to watch him next to Ed Oliver over the next few years.
Get to know TJ Sanders below:
| Height | Weight | Arm length | Hand length | 40-yard dash | 10-yard split | Vertical | Broad jump | Three-cone drill |
| 6’4″ | 297 lbs | 33 1/80″ | 10 1/4″ | N/A | N/A | 31.5″ | 9’4″ | 7.7 seconds |
Pros
- Solid ability to get off blocks.
- Long arms help with the ability to pat down passes.
- Plethora of pass rush moves.
Cons
- Will need to build up strength to win regularly against NFL strength.
- Hand placement isn’t consistent.
- Has to become a better tackler.
2024 stats (13 GP, 9 GS):
- 50 total tackles, 29 solo tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 1 pass breakup
Career Stats (39 GP, 16 GS):
- 109 total tackles, 63 solo tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 6 pass breakups
Highlights:
Here's a quick look at new Bills DT TJ Sanders. #BillsMafia | #NFLDraft | #BuiltInBuffalo pic.twitter.com/tkQwMsE9pf
— Built in Buffalo (@BuiltInBuffalo_) April 25, 2025