Colorado safety Shilo Sanders may not have heard his name called during the NFL draft, but the football journey for the talented defensive back is far from over. Following the conclusion of the draft, he announced his agreement to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent, a significant opportunity to showcase his skills at the professional level.
Shilo, the middle son of Colorado coach Deion Sanders, kept a close watch on his phone as the final picks rolled in on Saturday. His Twitch livestream captured the raw emotions of a player eagerly awaiting the call but ultimately facing the reality of remaining undrafted. However, that disappointment transformed into opportunity; with the draft behind him, Shilo was free to choose his next destination in the NFL.
While Shilo’s draft day did not go as hoped, his younger brother Shedeur made headlines by being selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns. Many had pegged Shedeur as a potential first-round pick before the draft, making his selection a moment of pride for the Sanders family.
After the draft, the elder Sanders shared encouraging words with his sons, recognizing the resilience they exhibited throughout the process. “Both of y’all, you’re resilient,” he said, emphasizing the strength of their family connection during this pivotal moment.
Reflecting on the experience, Shilo remarked, “They tested us this draft,” indicating the challenges he and his family faced together. Coach Sanders also voiced his gratitude, stating, “I’m thankful. Tampa’s a wonderful spot,” hinting at his confidence in Shilo’s potential with the Buccaneers.
In his final season with the Buffaloes, Shilo led the team in tackles with 70, and showcased his tenacity by ranking third in tackles the previous year despite missing three games due to a broken forearm. These stats speak to his capability as a hard-hitting safety, ready to make an impact in the NFL at just 25 years old. His collegiate journey spanned multiple schools, starting at South Carolina in 2019, then moving to Jackson State to play under his father during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, and finally returning to Colorado for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Moreover, his 2023 season featured impressive statistics, including two pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, a sack, a forced fumble, and even a defensive touchdown. Shilo’s track record reflects a player who knows how to create turnovers — a critical factor in winning games, as he emphasized on social media prior to the draft: “Somebody’s getting a dawg this week! Believe That.”
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger has recognized Shilo’s potential, celebrating his 56 games of experience and noting his history of making splash plays from the safety position, highlighting his skills as a good open-field tackler. Now, as he embarks on this new chapter with the Buccaneers, the anticipation among fans and analysts alike is palpable. Shilo Sanders is ready to bring his hard-hitting style and knack for game-changing plays to the NFL, and it will be exciting to watch how he carves out his place in the league.
