Panthers rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders studies extra to get 0  

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders snags a pass during rookie minicamp May 11, 2024 in Charlotte. Sanders, drafted in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft, caught 99 passes for 1,295 yards and seven touchdowns over his final two seasons at Texas.

Carolina Panthers rookie Ja’Tavion Sanders understands he must prove himself before he gets what he wants: jersey number 0.

That was the digit he donned at Texas, but it was not initially offered to the fourth-round draft pick. He’s OK with the decision, for now.

“I feel like every rookie gotta earn their number," Sanders said Saturday following the second day of rookie minicamp. “I knew I wasn’t gonna have 0 coming in, so I’ve already had that mindset knowing what I gotta do. Come in, put the work in, day in, day out to earn that number.”

A few weeks into his NFL career, Sanders continues to make positive first impressions with the Panthers hierarchy and fellow first-year players.

With the veterans away from Bank of America Stadium, the rookies were left with the coaching staff and themselves to learn the intricacies of modern professional football. To help with the transition, Sanders called the players together for recent group study sessions.

“Me, and a couple of other guys, are trying to get ahead,” Sanders said, explaining why he started staging the sessions. “I know, at the next level, the playbook is even harder than what it was in college. That was just something to help everybody out.”

When a reporter pointed out that his efforts demonstrated “leadership” qualities, Sanders did what most leaders do, deflect the attention. He looked down at the podium and said: “Yeah.”

The Panthers have been looking for help at tight end for several seasons. Since 2022, they have registered a combined 154 receptions for 1,530 yards and eight touchdowns.
Over his past two seasons with the Longhorns, Sanders amassed 99 catches for 1,295 yards and seven TDs.

“I told everybody I’m trying to be the next Greg Olsen here,” Sanders said of the former Panthers tight end.

The opportunity for Sanders to earn his preferred uniform number is present. The 6-foot-4, 243-pounder will compete this offseason with Tommy Tremble for primary positional targets from quarterback Bryce Young. Ian Thomas and Stephen Sullivan could provide depth, but Sanders’ athleticism is what coach Dave Canales wants to exploit.

“For our system and the things that J.T., as he goes by, the things that he showed on film; just being able to use him as a receiver, in the run game in creative ways,” Canales said after the Panthers drafted Sanders on April 27. “He’s definitely not the traditional in-line type of tight end. He’s a guy that can do a lot of different things.”

All seven 2024 draft picks and 18 undrafted free agents were signed by the Panthers before the start of Friday’s rookie minicamp. Canales lauded the front office for getting the business settled, allowing the first-year coach the opportunity to focus on how the prospects respond to life as a professional.

Canales said he witnessed a lot of “wide eyes” at the opening practice.
Sanders agreed.   

“Oh, yeah,” he said. “I was breathing a little heavy, you know what I’m saying? It’s definitely way faster than college, just running from drill to drill. Nobody is BSing.”   

Like in the rookie study sessions Sanders orchestrated, which focus on fundamentals.

“I try to get everybody to come,” he said. “We’re all football smart, in our own way. We all learned in different ways and we pick and choose what helped us learn the best.”
The study group helps the rookies “hone in on the little things. Just trying to think of ways to help me learn the playbook better.”

An inquiring reporter asked, who was responsible for providing the snacks?

Sanders laughed.

“I think everybody’s got their own snacks,” he said. “I may have to put someone on snack duty.”

Comments