Cameron named South Carolina defensive tackle T.J. Sanders as the ideal Day 2 fit for the 49ers defense, now led by returning defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. With the departures of Javon Hargrave and Maliek Collins this offseason due to tough financial decisions, San Francisco's defensive line could use reinforcements, and Sanders might be part of the answer.
"The 49ers need a disruptive presence on the interior, so targeting a disruptive 3-technique like Sanders makes too much sense," Cameron wrote. "His wicked first step and lateral quickness — due to his basketball background — allowed him to penetrate at a high level, contributing to his 90.3 PFF pass-rush grade versus true pass sets last season."
Sanders (6-4, 297) has recorded 8.5 sacks over the past two seasons, along with 93 tackles (17 for loss) and five passes defensed in 25 games (16 starts), per Sports Reference. His 2024 season marked career-high PFF grades across three categories: 82.4 overall, 77.0 in run defense, and 81.9 in pass rushing.
With three Day 2 selections—Nos. 43 (second round), 75, and 100 (third round)—the 49ers could target Sanders to bolster a depleted defensive front.
PFF's pre-draft big board ranks Sanders as the No. 38 overall prospect and the sixth-best interior defensive lineman in the class.
"Sanders is a true 3-technique who wins with linear and lateral quickness to shoot gaps and disrupt," PFF wrote in its draft profile. "He must improve his hand precision and play strength to be a full-time starter. At worst, he is a contributing rotational 3-technique."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers Training Camp Day 6: Injuries continue to mount, and other quick hits
The San Francisco 49ers wrapped up day six of training camp, and unfortunately, the biggest storyline continues to be the growing list of injuries. John Chapman, of 49ers Rush, pointed out on X that four of the team's top wide receivers—Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, Christian... -
49ers training camp day 7: Injuries continue to pile up, Brock Purdy shines, more quick hits
The San Francisco 49ers' injury list somehow got even longer on Wednesday, forcing another round of roster moves while creating opportunities for players lower on the depth chart. The team waived defensive linemen Kevin Givens and Cam Sample before signing veteran defensive end... -
49ers training camp Day 8: Brock Purdy stays hot, rookie DT turning heads, and other quick hits
The San Francisco 49ers returned to the practice field Thursday with a lengthy injury list, but Brock Purdy continued to provide plenty of reasons for optimism while a rookie defender continued building momentum. Here are the quick hits from Day 8 of training camp. The 49ers... -
49ers Training Camp Day 9: Defense dominates, Shanahan speaks to reporters, and more quick hits
Day nine of San Francisco 49ers training camp brought a little bit of everything. There was some good news on the injury front, a couple of defensive plays that Brock Purdy probably wishes he could have back, some struggles along the offensive line and, perhaps most...