The Sanders family often finds themselves in the crosshairs of college football criticism, from ‘nepo-baby’ jabs at Shedeur and Shilo to Deion facing heat for being a fiercely protective dad. They’re no strangers to hate, that’s for sure. But when it comes to having each other’s backs, they don’t need anyone else. Those Sanders boys close ranks and form their own unbreakable defense. Well, we know that when it comes to the NFL hype, Shedeur Sanders has always found a spot. But poor Shilo! He failed to get the edge for himself. So much so that the Combine doors were closed for him. But the tables are turning in Shilo’s favor, and big bro Deion Sanders Jr., aka Bucky, couldn’t be prouder doing some hypeman duties.   

Deion Sanders must be caught up with some mixed feels. After all, he will have to let go of his sons, who are set to fly high, leaving his nest. But the flight in no way looks smooth. Especially for the elder Sanders. While Shedeur is projected to be a first-round pick, Shilo Sanders comes off as a late-round pick on Day 3 or 4. The Buffs’ safety got handed a reality check when the NFL released its list of 329 invitees for the 2025 Scouting Combine. And guess what? Shilo’s name was nowhere to be found. After suffering a broken forearm, Shilo missed multiple games, and the Buffaloes went on a three-game winning streak without him. So, maybe, the NFL scouts were under the impression that the safety hadn’t contributed much at Colorado.

Even when he returned for that Kansas State game after being sidelined for weeks, Shilo didn’t really make an impact. He managed to record 44 solo tackles and two fumble recoveries in 10 games, but his playmaking ability wasn’t at the level many scouts expected. But the notions are changing, bit by bit. All thanks to his Pro Day feat.

Shilo ran the 40-yard dash twice. His first sprint of 4.52 seconds trumped his 4.59-second follow-up attempt. This was enough to zip up the critics. On April 11, NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger shared a clip from Shilo’s tape. The caption read, “@CUBuffsFootball @ShiloSanders brings 56 games of experience and a lot of splash plays from the safety position and a good open field tackler. #nfldraft #BaldysBreakdowns.” An absolute proud moment for Deion Jr. as he reshared the tweet. 

One could sense the soul-satisfying moment for Bucky on Shilo’s glow-up from his caption. The Well Off Media tycoon wrote, “Yes sir! Blessings! .. but #HesComingFast You freaky as hell Shilo 😂 @ShiloSanders.” Going by the buzz, the Dallas Cowboys can consider Shilo, as he has the potential to be a diamond found in the rough during the 2025 NFL Draft. Just like Deion Jr. came suited up as his biggest supporter, a  few days back, Shilo found himself in the same position.   

Shilo Sanders as lil bro’s biggest hypeman 

Definitely, when it comes to a comparison game, Shedeur comes off as a hotter target. The Buffs quarterback hailed himself as the top pick. But hardly did he realize that the analysts were all armed up to bring him down. It started with Field Yates’ projection that Shedeur would go as the No.6 pick, to which Shilo’s brother confidently replied, “That’s crap, bruh. I ain’t going sixth.” Then came CBS Sports’ Tom Fornelli with a bleaker reality. He saw Shedeur going to the Pittsburgh Steelers as No.21 overall pick. That was not the end.

As per the recent updates, the Buffs QB’s stocks have hit the lowest. Shedeur is projected to be going in the second round, at pick No. 33 to the Cleveland Browns. But what’s the big reason behind the player losing all his charm? After all, he did prove himself athletically. From being the most sacked player in the history of college football in 2023 to being 1st in Colorado single-season passing yards (4,134). 1st in Colorado single-season completion percentage (74.0%). Shedeur did not leave any stones unturned. But turns out that his off-field shenanigans made NFL scouts see him as a ‘red flag.’

On February 21, Shilo Sanders reshared a post from NFL Rookie Watch. The caption read, “Some NFL team’s are reportedly “concerned” that Sanders isn’t solely focused on football, but rather his rap career and creating a personality out of himself.” Plus, the Buffs’ QB was called out as arrogant for his watch-flexing move. Did Shilo turn a deaf ear to all the hate? No way!

The Buffs safety took his stand and wrote, “Nah I met Shedeur before , pretty cool guy.”  With the Sanders squad stronger than ever, here’s hoping Shilo and Shedeur land their dream NFL gigs—and the fam gets to toast the triumph in signature Prime Time style.