Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs reportedly may target surprise position in Round 1 of NFL Draft

Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins will be competitors for years as AFC contenders. Following last season’s playoff matchup, the two clubs could reportedly be after the same player in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Kansas City and Miami are both exploring their options to improve the supporting cast around quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Tua Tagovailoa this offseason. Fortunately for both franchises, this year’s draft class is particularly strong at positions like offensive tackle and wide receiver.

Even with a pick outside the top 20 in Round 1, the Chiefs and Dolphins could both be well-positioned to land one of their top targets. However, despite many identifying offensive tackle and receiver as top needs for both teams, Kansas City and Miami are being connected to another player at a surprising position.

Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reports from the NFL Combine that the Chiefs, Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers are among the clubs that have shown significant interest in Texas Longhorns tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders.

Ja’Tavion Sanders stats 2023: 45 receptions, 682 receiving yards, 15.2 yards per reception

Ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine, most believed Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers was the only surefire first-round selection at his position. However, Sanders has generated significant buzz this past week after demonstrating impressive athleticism in drills.

For the Chiefs and 49ers, Sanders would project as a second tight end who would allow both offenses to run more two tight end sets. Importantly, he would also be a long-term heir to All-Pro tight ends Travis Kelce and George Kittle.

Ja’Tavion Sanders RAS score: 8.06 out of 10

As for the Dolphins, Sanders would function more as an offensive weapon for head coach Mike McDaniel. Miami has attempted to find a playmaker at that position but still hasn’t found its surefire starter.

While some might view Sanders as a reach with a first-round selection, all it takes is one team to be high enough on him. There is also the possibility that either of these teams trade down from their original first-round pick and draft Sanders early in the second round.