The jury might still be out on how Shedeur Sanders will fare in the NFL. But Shilo Sanders? He might just turn out to be a dark horse for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ever since he arrived at his new home, Shilo has charmed his coaches and critics and is quickly emerging as a promising player. This is a surprise turnaround for a player who was written off during the draft process. But franchise leaders are sharing all the latest developments of the safety as he grows into a better player. Even former NFL quarterback Marcus Vick has taken notice, and he’s a fan of his speed.

Shilo’s collegiate career looks bleak when compared with the rave reviews coming in from Tampa. Tallying 217 tackles over 6 seasons, coupled with injury doubts, clouded his pro potential. He ultimately didn’t make the cut, but signed afterwards as a UDFA with the Bucs. Now, it’s like Shilo has completely flipped the narrative. He already had heads turning with his footwork in his rookie camp, which insiders say was “maybe the most impressive” of all the new safeties. His skills are now gaining more attention.

NFL Rookie Watch shared an update about Sanders’ growth at Tampa. “Shilo Sanders footwork looks SURGICAL heading into his first season,” the account wrote. “One NFL scout reportedly believes Sanders technique has ‘come a long way’ since his time in South Carolina and is currently on par with current starting NFL safeties. […] The Buccaneers rookie safety is FREAKISHLY smooth on his feet 😳,” the post read. Accompanying it was a clip from Sanders’ footwork drills, which shows so much finesse. Former Miami Dolphins player Marcus Vick chimed in with a nod of approval. He commented, “Yea [Shilo]… I’m telling yall he like a speeding bullet.”

It’s apparent that Shilo is committed to growth. He clocked in an impressive 4.52 at his 40-yard dash. Vick also has a similar record, posting 4.47 during his attempt in 2006. His footwork is his biggest strength, which even Bucky thinks is worth telling the world about. But that’s not where the praise for Shilo ends. NFL Rookie Watch also wrote, “Sanders has reportedly taken “no days off” since arriving in Tampa Bay and is working towards securing playing time in 2025. […] Multiple Buccaneers coaches have now “raved” about Sanders, praising his intelligence, work ethic, and athleticism.”

Shilo Sanders’s performance at Tampa shows he will not back down from honing a better version of himself. We saw that while he prepared himself for Colorado’s pro day, and we’re seeing it now as he gives his all to secure playing time.

Shilo Sanders is settling in at his new home

Shilo is now formally out of Deion Sanders‘ shadow and charting a course of his own in Tampa. He’s now spent a few weeks here and seems quite settled in the city so far. The Sun quoted him as saying, “Am I liking Tampa? I love Tampa.” “I’m not going to lie, Tampa actually is, like living here now, Tampa is one of the best places to live,” he added. The balmy weather is in stark contrast to that of Boulder, which is something that stands out to Shilo. “It’s not really the heat, it’s the humidity. You walk out of the hotel and it’s literally you feel like you gotta take a shower.” He also commented on the city’s reputation for hosting the worst drivers. “I’ve been driving out here and I don’t see, like, it’s not that bad.”

Weather problems and moving in thoughts aside, Shilo is locked in on making it into the playing team this season. When the Bucs’ facility was closed one weekend, he got creative and headed to a public park for an intense solo session. And he went through a series of drills involving alley-pursuit angles, 45-degree backpedals without taking a break. “Y’all see I’m in shape. We didn’t even take a break yet,” he said, after wrapping up the session. And if you thought Shilo would then call it a day and enjoy the rest of Sunday, you’re mighty wrong. He followed up that comment by saying, “I might go on a jog tonight too, just to get my endurance up.” He knows this opportunity with the Bucs is not one to be taken for granted.

Sanders is determined to make a mark this season, and by the way he’s going at it, he might not be far off his goal. “The Bucs was the first team to call and they gave me a chance before anyone,” Sanders said after being signed by the franchise. “So I’m forever grateful to the Buccaneers, and I’m just going to do everything I can to help this team win — everything in my power to help this team win—and that’s all I want.” All of this dedication has turned him from a lightly regarded college safety to one of Tampa’s most intriguing offseason surprises. And who knows, maybe we can see Shilo Sanders on the playing roster in the upcoming season!