T.J. Sanders expected to emerge as breakout star for Bills in 2026

T.J. Sanders, a defensive tackle selected by the Buffalo Bills in the 2025 NFL draft, is anticipated to be a breakout star during the 2026 season. Despite concerns about his size—he measures 6-foot-4 and 297 pounds, which is considered undersized for his position—analysts are optimistic about his fit in the Bills' defense. ESPN's Ben Solak has compared Sanders to John Franklin-Myers of the Tennessee Titans, highlighting his potential role in various schemes under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Sanders showcased impressive statistics at South Carolina, including 93 tackles and 8.5 sacks in his final college seasons before undergoing minor knee surgery last year, which limited his playing time. The Bills also drafted another smaller defensive tackle, Zane Durant, in 2026, further indicating their strategy for depth in their defensive line.

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