Ja'Tavion Sanders vs Jonnu Smith
Two tight ends fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Strong edge · 95% confident
Jonnu Smith- Higher projection: 36 vs 25 pts
- More points per game: 5.0 vs 4.2
- More opportunity: 53% snap share, 9 red-zone touches
Ja'Tavion Sanders and Jonnu Smith are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. Ja'Tavion Sanders holds the edge in expert consensus (TE51 to TE53). The 2026 projections give a modest edge: Jonnu Smith at 36 PPR points (2.1 per game) versus Ja'Tavion Sanders at 25.
Last season Jonnu Smith carried the heavier workload (53% snap share, 63 touches to Ja'Tavion Sanders's 34), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Ja'Tavion Sanders is the younger option (age 23), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, Jonnu Smith is the clear pick on the higher projection and the bigger workload.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Sanders | Smith |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 25 | 36 |
| Points / game | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Games played | 13 | 17 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #373 | #395 |
| Positional rank | TE49 | TE34 |
| Snap share | 49% | 53% |
| Red-zone touches | 9 | 9 |
| Age | 23 | 31 |
| Bye week | 5 | 11 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Ja'Tavion Sanders or Jonnu Smith.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Ja'Tavion Sanders or Jonnu Smith in 2026?
Jonnu Smith is a clear call over Ja'Tavion Sanders for 2026, on the higher projection and the bigger workload.
Who is projected to score more, Ja'Tavion Sanders or Jonnu Smith?
Jonnu Smith carries the higher 2026 projection at 36 PPR points (2.1 per game), compared with 25 for Ja'Tavion Sanders.
Who is ranked higher, Ja'Tavion Sanders or Jonnu Smith?
Expert consensus ranks Ja'Tavion Sanders (TE51) ahead of Jonnu Smith (TE53) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.