Can Shilo Sanders Make The Buccaneers Roster? A Look At His Performance Under Pressure.

James

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Post on Aug 24, 2025

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Can Shilo Sanders Make the Buccaneers Roster? A Look at His Performance Under Pressure

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2023 training camp is buzzing with anticipation, and a significant part of that excitement revolves around one player: Shilo Sanders, son of NFL legend Deion Sanders. While his pedigree is undeniable, making the Buccaneers' roster is far from guaranteed. Can Shilo live up to the hype and earn a spot on the team, or will the pressure of following in his father's footsteps prove too much? Let's delve into his performance and assess his chances.

Shilo Sanders: More Than Just a Name

Shilo Sanders isn't just riding on his famous last name. He's a talented cornerback who showcased impressive athleticism and ball skills during his time at Colorado. His performance in the Pac-12, while playing alongside his brother Shedeur, caught the attention of NFL scouts. He brings a unique blend of speed, agility, and instincts to the field, traits highly valued in today's NFL.

Performance Under Pressure: The Jury's Still Out

While his college career showed promise, the NFL is a different beast entirely. The level of competition is significantly higher, and the pressure to perform is immense. So far in training camp and preseason games, Sanders has shown flashes of brilliance, displaying the same athleticism and coverage skills that made him a notable college prospect. However, consistency is key, and that's where the question marks remain. He's shown moments of vulnerability, susceptible to misreads and precise route-running by opposing receivers. This inconsistency under pressure is a crucial factor determining his roster chances.

Key Areas for Improvement:

• Consistency in Coverage: Shilo needs to demonstrate more consistent tackling and coverage techniques. Erratic play won't cut it in the NFL.
• Reading the Quarterback: Improving his ability to read the quarterback's eyes and anticipate routes is crucial for making game-changing plays.
• Special Teams Contributions: Contributing significantly on special teams could greatly increase his chances of making the final roster, even if his defensive performance isn't consistently elite.

Competition for Roster Spots:

The Buccaneers' cornerback room is already stacked with talented players, making the competition for a roster spot fierce. Veterans like Carlton Davis III and Sean Murphy-Bunting are established starters, while other young players are vying for backup roles. Shilo faces a steep uphill battle to secure a spot.

The Verdict: A Long Shot, But Not Impossible

Making the Buccaneers' 53-man roster is a significant challenge for Shilo Sanders. While his talent is evident, his consistency needs to improve drastically. He'll need to showcase significant improvement in his decision-making and overall performance in the remaining preseason games to impress the coaching staff. His chances are a long shot, but not impossible. A strong finish to the preseason, coupled with impressive special teams play, could be the difference maker.

What to Watch For:

Keep a close eye on Shilo Sanders' performance in the remaining preseason games. These games will be crucial in determining whether he has done enough to earn a spot on the Buccaneers' active roster. His performance in these high-pressure situations will ultimately decide his fate. Will he rise to the occasion and solidify his place in the NFL, or will the pressure prove too much? Only time will tell.

Related Articles:

• [Link to an article about the Buccaneers' training camp]
• [Link to an article about other rookie cornerbacks in the NFL]

Call to Action: What are your predictions for Shilo Sanders' future with the Buccaneers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!