TJ Sanders Drafted by Buffalo Bills: Why Did the Buffalo Bills Draft TJ Sanders in the 2025 NFL Draft?

It’s official: former South Carolina standout TJ Sanders is heading to the NFL!

The Buffalo Bills selected Sanders with the 41st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, snagging a defensive lineman who’s been steadily rising up draft boards after a stellar college career. For Bills fans and Gamecock supporters alike, this is a pick worth getting excited about.

Let’s take a closer look at who Sanders is, why he caught the Bills’ eye, and what’s next for him.

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Who Is TJ Sanders?

TJ Sanders is the definition of hard work paying off.

Coming out of Marion High School, Sanders joined the South Carolina Gamecocks in 2021 and redshirted his first season. From there, he developed into a reliable and disruptive force on the defensive line over the next three years.

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By his redshirt junior year in 2024, Sanders was one of the most respected defensive players in the SEC, earning Second-Team All-SEC honors. He led all Gamecock defensive linemen with 50 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks — numbers that reflect both his consistency and his ability to impact the game at multiple levels.

Why Did the Buffalo Bills Draft Him?

The Bills clearly saw a lot to love in Sanders — and it’s easy to understand why.

Sanders brings size, strength, and athleticism to the interior defensive line. He’s not just a space-eater; he’s the type of player who can penetrate the backfield, disrupt the quarterback, and chase down ball carriers.

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Buffalo has been working to build a defense that can hold up against the physical offenses of the AFC, and Sanders fits perfectly into that vision. His relentless motor, ability to shed blocks, and experience playing against top-tier SEC competition made him a no-brainer pick in the early second round.

How Did TJ Sanders Perform at South Carolina?

Sanders’ college career shows a player who steadily improved each year.

After seeing action in 37 games during his time in Columbia, Sanders became a full-time starter and a real difference-maker in his final season. His knack for creating pressure from the inside gave the Gamecocks defense a much-needed edge.

In 2024 alone, he:

• Started nine games
• Finished fifth on the team in total tackles
• Led all defensive linemen with seven tackles for loss
• Added four sacks to his resume

That production in the ultra-competitive SEC didn’t go unnoticed by NFL scouts — or by the Bills’ front office.

What’s Next for TJ Sanders in Buffalo?

The Bills aren’t just drafting Sanders to sit and learn — he’s got a real shot to make an early impact.

Buffalo has invested heavily in their defensive line over the years, but adding young, energetic talent like Sanders gives them fresh depth and a high-upside player who could become a starter sooner rather than later.

Expect Sanders to rotate early on, showing off his quickness and ability to disrupt inside runs and passing plays. If he continues his upward development trajectory, he could become a long-term fixture on Buffalo’s defensive front.