In September 2023, when the Colorado Buffaloes won 43-35 in a double OT over in-state rivals, the Colorado State Rams, the HC and father Deion Sanders did not shy away from giving the credit where due. To bring a 3-0 record at Folsom Field then, Shilo Sanders forced two turnovers, 4 tackles, 1 interception for an 80-yard TD, and a forced fumble. The performance got him Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week. But more importantly, it got him the top spot in the family ranking as Deion put, “He is moving up. He’s moving on up like the Jeffersons.” Over his collegiate career, Shilo has showcased impressive plays. And yet, he has so much to prove with the dark cloud looming.

Primarily, it is the injuries. He had shoulder surgery in May last year, then he went under the needle again for arm surgery in September 2024, and then there was the ACL tear. This questions his durability in the pros. On top of that, his inconsistent techniques, lack of play recognition, and man-to-man coverage skills put him at the back of the drafts projected as the 235th-best prospect in the seventh round per Pro Football Focus. Possibly, this is why he was snubbed off the Combine invitation. But he refuses to let setbacks define him.

He still has time to improve his stocks, and you bet he is doing just that! Earlier this month, Shilo hired official Combine timers as he said, “I didn’t get invited to the Combine, but I brought the Combine to me.” Then, he made a 40-yard dash, his personal best, as he prepared for Colorado’s Pro Day. In fact, his latest grind to improve his stocks made his younger brother Deion Sanders Jr to even make a huge claim that might put a dent on their Hall of Famer father’s wallet.

On the March 27 episode of Well Off Media, Deion Sanders Jr. made a statement without saying a word. He dropped a video of Shilo’s intense training session, letting the footage do all the talking. But it was the title that stole the show: “After Seeing This… Coach Prime WILL OWE SHILO AT LEAST $100,000.”

According to Deion Jr., Shilo is dominating in training. Hence, their father might need to bring out his check book to sign one off matching the bonus he gets with every win for the Buffs. But surprisingly, no scout invited him to the NFL Combine.

However, Shilo isn’t fading into the background. He showed up at the Big 12 Pro Day and is now set to be the chief attraction at CU’s upcoming Pro Day, where scouts from all 32 NFL teams will be watching. Well, this is the ultimate stage for him to change perceptions about his consistency and fitness. A standout performance could change everything. On top of that, it’s his shot to silence the skeptics, showcase his full arsenal, and prove once and for all that he’s built for the next level.

However, Shilo isn’t just aiming to impress—he’s setting the bar high. Yes, he made a bold declaration for Pro Day as he looked his father in the eye and said, “I’m running a 4.4 this time.” But Coach Prime? He never backs down from a challenge. Instead, he upped the stakes, telling, “Let’s do it. You said 4.4? If you run a 4.4, I’ll buy you a new car.”

Here’s where things get tricky. As the NFL Draft approaches, the conversation around Shilo’s future is only heating up. Despite a standout 2023 season at CU—racking up 70 tackles and securing a spot among the program’s all-time great defensive backs—his draft stock has taken a hit.

Sure, earning a spot in the 2025 Shrine Bowl was a step in the right direction. But that nasty forearm injury against Nebraska? A major roadblock. On top of that, factor in a fractured finger and a past ACL tear from his Jackson State days, and it’s no surprise that NFL teams are hesitant. While the talent is undeniable and the drive is there, can he stay healthy at the next level? That’s the million-dollar question.

Shilo Sanders’ fate in the NFL

Shilo’s dedication isn’t going unnoticed. Tom Downey, a draft analyst from the Dallas Cowboys, made a bold prediction—Shilo Sanders is destined to land with the Cowboys, draft or not. So, while Shilo’s draft stock remains uncertain—some mocks have him sneaking into the seventh round—Downey believes he’ll find a home in Dallas or with any team linked to his brother, Shedeur.

This is it. Pro Day is Shilo Sanders’ last shot to boost his draft stock before the big night. To be honest, it’s now or never. Although a jaw-dropping performance might not catapult him up the board, it could lock in his spot as a Day 3 pick. According to multiple mock drafts, Shilo is battling for a seventh-round selection, with teams like the Ravens and Steelers keeping a close eye.

In the East-West Shrine Bowl 25-0 loss he made sure he proved his doubters wrong. Finishing his unofficial final game of college career, he stacked six total tackles and one pass. After the game, he talked to the media.

“I showed people today — don’t believe everything you read. I can play football. If you say I can’t play football, just watch film. But if you just feel like hating on me, then take every bad play I do and just put a little video together and post it and try to destroy my name. But that’s not going to work, as you see, because I can play football. I’m good at football.

“I’m ready for my college career to be over. I’m ready to move on, go to the pros, you know, and start my career in the big leagues.” As of now, no matter where he lands, one thing is certain—Shilo is ready to prove he belongs in the league.