It looks like Shilo Sanders just can’t outrun the bad luck chasing him. And honestly, can we blame him? The “Sanders” name alone weighs a ton, and expectations crush even harder when your dad is Deion Sanders with the gold standard. Plus, your brother Shedeur, who locks in as a first-round pick. Meanwhile, Shilo doesn’t even get a Combine invite to prove himself. Brutal, right? But at least Shilo is not in this fight alone. As one of his folks is riding with him, shielding him from the storm.

Well, it’s weird that Shilo Sanders is not making the cut for the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Feels off, right? As none of the 329 names belonged to the NFL legend Deion Sanders, the head coach of Colorado. That slightly caused quite a stir. And some people are quick to critique, questioning his game. Others? They’re standing by him.

And one among them is Buffs WR LaJohntay Wester, who isn’t letting this slide. As Wester hit Instagram to back Shilo Sanders, calling out the noise, saying, “BOII Y’ALL DO ANYTHING FOR SOME LIKES AND COMMENTS.” Now that’s a straight fact. People are quick to judge his gameplay and make harsh comments on his performance, despite proving his worth several times.

Despite facing challenges such as injuries that may have affected his draft prospects, Shilo persisted through pain and setbacks. Remember his performance against Arizona in October ’24? Even though Shilo just managed to get four tackles, his leadership and intensity were top-notch. But after all those efforts, Shilo is in a major scrunt.

Moreover, Coach Prime’s docu-series didn’t do Shilo Sanders any favors either. During one episode, Deion and Colorado DC Robert Livingstone showed visible frustration with him at practice, calling him out for not grinding hard enough. That made things even worse. While some may have exploited his weaknesses during the Shrine Bowl, scouts recognize his true talent.

Shilo Sanders’ Shrine Bowl gig

Well, Shilo Sanders didn’t just participate in the Shrine Bowl, he excelled. Despite his West squad suffering a 25-0 defeat, Shilo stood out with six tackles, a crucial pass breakup, and unwavering energy. The score did not reflect his performance. His exceptional range, physical presence, and instincts were evident, proving that he is more than just a well-known name. His impressive display caught the attention of NFL Rookie Watch, who labeled him as “the HARDEST-HITTING safety in this year’s draft.” While some may doubt him, Shilo plays with a clear purpose.

Moreover, even momentum seems to be shifting in his favor now. As NFL scout, Eric Galko pointed out a key trait that could secure Shilo’s future in the NFL. It’s not just about his game tape — Shilo’s physical attributes support his skills. According to Zebra Sports tracking, he recorded the highest max acceleration among all defenders at 6.39 yards per second squared. His explosive speed was visible throughout the week in practice, drills, and on game day. Shilo is not just running, he is bursting off the field as if he has rocket boosters in his cleats.

At the East-West Shrine Bowl, he showcased his skills with five tackles, a pass deflection, and the quickest acceleration among defenders. Despite these impressive stats, some still doubt his abilities. Shilo has a clear message for them saying, “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.” No excuses, no politics — just pure performance that speaks for itself.

Now with the Combine off the table, Shilo Sanders’ next chance is at Colorado’s Pro Day in May 2025. This event offers him the opportunity to catch the eye of scouts and rise up the draft rankings. Currently, Pro Football Focus has him ranked 235th overall, placing him in the discussion for the seventh round. However, a strong showing could quickly change that ranking. Let’s see how things turn out for him.