Shilo Sanders: From College Standout to Buccaneers Undrafted Prospect
Introduction
Shilo Sanders, son of Hall of Fame legend Deion Sanders, is embarking on his own NFL journey after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite a productive college career and a well-known football lineage, Shilo went undrafted—an outcome shaped by recent injury setbacks. Yet, under head coach Todd Bowles, the Buccaneers may offer the perfect environment for this determined safety to prove his worth.
A Football Pedigree
Born into one of football’s most iconic families, Shilo Sanders grew up around the sport's elite. His father, Deion Sanders, was a generational talent and two-sport athlete who set the gold standard for defensive backs. This legacy set high expectations for Shilo, who rose through collegiate ranks with a strong reputation for athleticism and football intelligence.
Collegiate Career: Three Teams, One Goal
Shilo Sanders’ path through college football spanned three programs:
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South Carolina (2019–2020): Where he started as a freshman and gained experience in the SEC.
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Jackson State (2021–2022): Played under his father, standing out as a physical, playmaking safety.
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Colorado (2023–2024): Followed Coach Prime again and faced Power Five competition.
Across these seasons, Sanders recorded:
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184 total tackles
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6 interceptions
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6 forced fumbles
His stats reflect a ball-hawking safety with a nose for high-impact plays.
Injury Setbacks and Draft Disappointment
Despite these accomplishments, Sanders went undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. The primary reason was injury history:
Such medical concerns caused NFL teams to pass on him despite his skill set and football IQ.
Scouting Breakdown
Strengths
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Football IQ: Recognized for his ability to read offensive schemes and react instinctively.
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Zone Coverage: Excels at anticipating routes and jumping passes.
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Turnover Creation: Displays a natural ability to force fumbles and secure interceptions.
Weaknesses
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Man Coverage Limitations: Struggles against shiftier wide receivers in one-on-one scenarios.
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Tackling Consistency: Needs refinement in approach and leverage, especially at the NFL level.
Physical Attributes and Fit
Shilo stands at 6'0", 195 pounds, with a strong, athletic frame suited for NFL play. He brings a physical, high-motor style that matches well with aggressive defensive schemes.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, led by Todd Bowles, present a scheme that values:
As a former undrafted safety himself, Bowles may see a project worth investing in with Sanders.
Path to the Roster: Special Teams and Depth Role
Shilo’s best chance at making the 53-man roster likely comes through special teams, where his physicality, speed, and awareness can shine. If he excels there, he may earn defensive snaps as a depth safety or hybrid DB in nickel packages.
Pressure and Potential
Being the son of Deion Sanders brings massive attention, both from fans and the media. But it also provides a built-in mentorship path. Shilo’s journey is not just about living up to the Sanders name—it's about carving his own lane in the NFL.
Conclusion
Shilo Sanders may not have heard his name called on draft weekend, but the journey is far from over. His signing with the Buccaneers offers a meaningful opportunity to prove doubters wrong. With the right combination of health, growth, and grit, he may yet earn his place in the NFL—just like his father, but on his own terms.