2024 NFL Mock Draft: Shocking Day 2 selections for each NFC East team

With the Cowboys now on the clock, they use No. 56 on Texas TE Ja'Tavion Sanders. He's a perfect fit and will be a Texas and Cowboy fan favorite in Dallas.

Standing at 6'4" and weighing 241 pounds, Ja'Tavion Sanders had a successful campaign in 2022 as the starting tight end for the Longhorns. He recorded over 50 receptions, 613 receiving yards, and five touchdowns and had multiple touchdown games against West Virginia and Oklahoma. Our projected 40-time for Sanders is 4.62 seconds, a tenth quicker than the average NFL player. He has an excellent ability to locate and track the ball in the air and is quick off the line of scrimmage.

Additionally, he can effectively block in space and at the goal line, which allows him to open up room for the ball carrier. Sanders shows a great willingness to sacrifice his body and work hard, which helps him win the rep at the point of attack.

Sanders is a productive tight end due to his foot speed and long stride. He has the agility, power to avoid tackles, and good coordination when catching the ball. He has a competitive attitude and is strong with the ball. He is not a field stretcher but can gain yardage after the catch. His routes are mostly precise, and he is challenging to cover. He can protect the ball from defenders and has outstanding, soft hands. He also consistently makes catches cleanly.

David Njoku has a similar draft profile with a 6.8 grade to Sanders, size, and speed. The difference is Sanders is a TD Machine; he lives in the endzone; he is just the kind of reliable red zone target that could change Dak Prescott's life.