TJ Sanders Projected as Ideal Fit for Bills’ Defense at Age 21
The Buffalo Bills used six of their nine selections in the 2025 NFL Draft to strengthen their defense. This included upgrades to the secondary with Maxwell Hairston and the edge with Landon Jackson. However, their second-round pick might have the highest potential.
Buffalo selected defensive lineman TJ Sanders from South Carolina with the 41st overall pick. Although considered a fringe first-round talent, Sanders slid to a playoff-caliber team in need of interior defensive help—making it a potentially ideal match.
CBS Sports analyst Chris Trapasso listed Sanders among his top 10 rookie fits, ranking him ninth. According to Trapasso, “Even though he hasn’t turned 22 yet, Sanders posted back-to-back seasons in the SEC with a pressure rate above 10%. He uses his hands like a seasoned pro and can beat blockers with both power and quickness. The Bills needed another penetrating presence next to Ed Oliver on the interior, and they found that in Sanders.”
With Ed Oliver already anchoring the middle of the defensive line, Sanders is expected to make an immediate impact in 2025. At just 21 years old, his upside could go beyond that of a reliable starter—he has the potential to become a Pro Bowl or even All-Pro player.
