T.J. Sanders
Career Summary
T.J. Sanders is a defensive tackle who played four seasons at South Carolina before the Buffalo Bills selected him in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
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High School
Sanders had a basketball background before transitioning to football full-time. He earned all-state basketball honors as a junior and averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds per game.
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College Career
Sanders played 39 games over four seasons at South Carolina. He recorded 9.5 sacks and 17.5 tackles for loss in his Gamecocks career; in 2024, he totaled 50 tackles, four sacks and seven tackles for loss.
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Path to the NFL
Buffalo traded up 15 spots to select Sanders 41st overall in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
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NFL Career
NFL.com lists Sanders with 12 games played and two starts for Buffalo in the 2025 regular season. He recorded 16 combined tackles, one sack and one pass defensed.
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Career Accomplishments
Sanders earned AP second-team All-SEC recognition in 2024.
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Playing Style
Sanders plays defensive tackle. He described his game as high-motor, adaptable and able to play the run and rush the passer; the Bills cited his interior pass-rush ability, strong hands and explosive first step.
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31572, 00-0040724, 2003-07-30, T.J. Sanders, Tanaeri, Sanders
MFT PLAYER RANKINGS
Current player ranking
MFT Score: 60.9
2026 preseason baseline. Position-relative and updated through the site’s weekly review process.