Why Did Shilo Sanders Go Undrafted? Breaking Down the Surprising 2025 NFL Draft Snub

By Jason Bolton June 16, 2025 09:45

Shilo Sanders, safety and eldest son of NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, faced a surprising and disappointing outcome in the 2025 NFL Draft when he went undrafted despite a solid college career and high-profile pedigree. Shortly after the draft concluded, Sanders signed as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the question remains: why did a player with his experience and family name slip through all seven rounds?

College Career and Draft Profile

Shilo Sanders’s college journey was unique and extensive. He played six seasons across three programs: starting at South Carolina, transferring to Jackson State under his father’s coaching, and finishing at Colorado. Over 21 games with the Buffaloes, Sanders recorded 137 tackles, three tackles for loss, five passes defensed, and one interception. His overall collegiate stats include 126 tackles and six interceptions, showcasing solid production at the safety position.

Despite these numbers, Sanders’s draft stock was never particularly high. CBS Sports ranked him as the No. 382 overall prospect and the 29th safety in the 2025 class. His age 25 at draft time also worked against him, as NFL teams generally prefer younger prospects with more perceived developmental upside.

Injury Concerns and Inconsistent Performance

One major factor cited for Sanders’s draft slide was his injury history and inconsistent play, especially during his final college season. He missed three games in 2024 due to a fractured forearm, and upon returning, his performance reportedly suffered. NFL draft analyst Kevin Borba noted, “I don’t think Shilo Sanders had the season that NFL teams would’ve liked to see this past year. He was injured and it affected his play.”

Such injury concerns can make teams wary, especially for a safety whose role demands physicality and durability. The combination of missed time and uneven performance likely contributed to teams passing on him during the draft.

Off-Field Issues and Legal Matters

Sanders’s draft prospects were further complicated by off-field distractions. Reports surfaced about ongoing legal issues stemming from a high school incident, including a substantial judgment against him. While details remain limited, such baggage can deter NFL teams from investing draft capital in a player, fearing potential distractions or character concerns.

The NFL Combine Snub and Limited Exposure

Another notable setback was Sanders’s exclusion from the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. While his younger brother Shedeur Sanders was invited and widely regarded as a top prospect, Shilo was left off the list of 329 invitees. This lack of exposure on a national stage deprived him of an opportunity to showcase his athleticism and skills directly to NFL scouts and executives.

Signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Despite going undrafted, Sanders quickly found a landing spot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a priority undrafted free agent. The Bucs, who did not select a safety during the draft, view Sanders as a developmental player who can learn from veterans like Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jamel Dean. This opportunity allows Sanders to prove himself in training camp and potentially earn a roster spot.

Deion Sanders expressed pride in his son’s perseverance, stating, “They put us to the test during this draft, but the journey is just beginning.” Shilo himself acknowledged the disappointment but remained optimistic, saying on his Twitch stream, “They tested the entire family.”

Shilo Sanders’s undrafted status in 2025 was the result of a combination of factors: injury setbacks, inconsistent late-career performance, off-field legal issues, and limited pre-draft exposure. While the draft snub was unexpected given his pedigree, the NFL has numerous examples of undrafted players carving out successful careers.

Now with the Buccaneers, Sanders faces a critical opportunity to prove his worth and continue the Sanders family legacy in professional football. His story underscores that the NFL Draft is only one step in a long journey, and resilience often defines a player’s ultimate success.