Bengals' latest pre-draft visit shows their eyes remain focused on the best defensive tackle prospects they could target

Sanders, whose real first name is Tanaeri, was a four-year player for the Gamecocks and started most of the 2023 and 2024 seasons. During those two years he posted 93 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks, leading the defense in the latter two categories during the '23 campaign. 

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Sanders checked off the athleticism testing box in a big way after measuring in at 6-4 and 297 pounds with and arm length of just over 33". He clocked at 7.70 3-cone time and a 4.67 in the short shuttle along with leaps of 31.5" in the vertical jump and 100" in the broad jump. He saved his 4.95 40-yard dash for his pro day. 

While the flashes didn't always exist on tape, Sanders' combination of production, size, and movement ability makes him stand out in this year's crop of interior defenders. Coming from a notable program at such a young age also bodes well for his overall potential. 

Cincinnati has shown interest in other top DT prospects such as Walter Nolen, Omarr Norman-Lott, and Ty Robinson in the form of 30 visits. The club paid both B.J. Hill and T.J. Slaton at the onset of free agency, but it's clear they still need a pass-rushing boost from the inside that simply doesn't exist on the current roster, which only has four players at the position. 

Sanders is ranked No. 71 on A to Z Sports' Top 200 Big Board, which matches where he's projected to be drafted. He'd be a great value selection if the Bengals wait to see if he falls to their third-round pick at 81st overall, but their best bet to secure him would be in the second round with the 49th pick. 

Should Cincinnati leave Thursday night without a defensive lineman, Sanders is now firmly in the conversation as a second-round target.