Shilo Sanders Shines at Buccaneers Rookie Minicamp
Shilo Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders, has turned heads at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookie minicamp with his standout athleticism and football IQ. The 23-year-old defensive back showcased his versatility and instinctive play during drills, earning praise from coaches and teammates. Sanders’ performance positions him as a potential sleeper pick to make an immediate impact in the 2024 season.
A Legacy in the Making
While Shilo Sanders carries the weight of his father’s Hall of Fame legacy, he is carving his own path. During minicamp, he demonstrated:
- Elite speed: Clocked at 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash during drills
- Technical precision: Broke up three passes in 7-on-7 sessions
- Adaptability: Played both nickel corner and safety positions seamlessly
Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles noted, “Shilo processes plays like a veteran. His spatial awareness in zone coverage is uncommon for rookies.”
From College Standout to NFL Contender
After transferring from Jackson State to the University of Colorado under his father’s coaching, Sanders recorded:
- 42 tackles (3.5 for loss) in 2023
- 4 pass breakups and 1 interception
- A 78.3% completion rate allowed when targeted (PFF)
Despite going undrafted, analysts suggest Sanders’ minicamp performance could secure him a roster spot. “He’s outperforming some Day 3 draft picks,” remarked ESPN analyst Louis Riddick. “That Sanders DNA is real.”
Coaches and Players Take Notice
Veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III worked alongside Sanders during drills. “The kid asks the right questions,” Davis said. “He’s not just relying on athleticism—he’s studying formations and tendencies.” Meanwhile, head coach Todd Bowles emphasized Sanders’ special teams potential, a critical factor for roster decisions.
Challenges Ahead
While Sanders excels in coverage, scouts note areas for improvement:
- Run defense consistency
- Press-man technique against larger receivers
- Durability after missing 5 games in 2023 due to injury
However, his 6’1″ frame and 32-inch vertical leap give him the tools to address these gaps. “He’s coachable,” said defensive backs coach Kevin Ross. “When we corrected his hand placement, he applied it immediately.”
What’s Next for Shilo Sanders?
The Buccaneers will evaluate Sanders during OTAs and preseason games. If he maintains this trajectory, he could:
- Earn a spot as the Bucs’ fifth cornerback
- Contribute on kick coverage units
- Develop into a rotational defensive piece by midseason
With Tampa Bay seeking depth in the secondary, Sanders’ minicamp emergence couldn’t have come at a better time. As one team scout put it, “This isn’t just a feel-good story—the kid can play.”
Follow our Buccaneers Training Camp Tracker for updates on Sanders’ progress throughout the summer.
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