While much of the spotlight was on Shedeur Sanders’ surprising slide to Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft, another Sanders brother is quietly beginning his own NFL journey: Shilo Sanders.
Overshadowed by the draft-day drama, Shilo went undrafted but signed a three-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a UDFA. Now, he’s focused on proving himself and making a name in the league in his own right.
Shilo Sanders Disappointed but Determined To Learn From Family’s Nightmare 2025 NFL Draft
While Shedeur’s draft slide was a massive surprise, Shilo was always considered more of a late-round hopeful. However, witnessing how his brother was slipping from one round to another, Shilo was worried about his future at one point.
“See, bro, I don’t even know what they gonna do with me, bro,” Shilo said during a stream. “Because if they’re doing you like this… If they’re making him wait, oh buddy, [what about] me?”
The 25-year-old, however, is using the disappointment of the draft as a motivation and is living with the belief that he always ends up doing something great when facing adverse situations.
“My take on being disappointed in lows is that it’s not a real low because you can’t change the past,” he said. “I just trust God, and I always end up doing something great, so I just know it’s going to happen, and whatever is happening currently is to learn or grow from.”
Shilo Sanders had a winding collegiate journey, marred by recurring injuries that ultimately hurt his draft stock. A significant shoulder injury sidelined him for six months ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, and at 25 years old, he entered the league as one of the oldest prospects in his class.
Known for his physical, hard-hitting style, Sanders excels as a downhill tackler and tone-setter in the secondary. In 2024, he led Colorado with 70 total tackles—including 55 solo—and forced four fumbles, ranking second in the nation. His playmaking ability was on full display with an 80-yard pick-six against Colorado State.
Over 52 college games, Sanders totaled 218 tackles, six interceptions, seven forced fumbles, one sack, and 17 pass breakups. He brings a high football IQ and versatility, capable of playing deep or near the line in run support. While he’s a strong finisher in zone coverage, his man-to-man skills remain a work in progress.
Despite not receiving an NFL Scouting Combine invite—an indication that teams didn’t view him as a draftable prospect—Sanders signed a three-year UDFA deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Now in Todd Bowles’ defense, he’ll have a chance to prove the doubters wrong.