Shilo Sanders has frequently found himself in the headlines lately, but not necessarily for the reasons he’d like. A 2015 assault charge against a security guard, John Darjean, has resurfaced after a court ruling awarded Darjean a hefty $11.8 million in damages. 

To make matters worse, Shilo’s attempt to avoid the financial blow by filing for bankruptcy has raised eyebrows. This is even going to the extent of overshadowing Shilo’s NFL draft potential next year. However, Shilo and his head-coach dad are determined to shift the gear. 

Shilo Sanders recently took to Instagram to showcase his impressive stats, including “430 Coverage Snaps Zero TDs Allowed” last season per PFF. This caught the eye of Coach Prime himself, who proudly reshared his son’s stats on his Instagram story. While draft talks surrounding the Buffaloes have been dominated by quarterback Shedeur Sanders and two-way threat Travis Hunter, Shilo’s performance seems to be attracting much-needed attention now. 

Shilo Sanders’ on-field record is a testament to his talent. Last year, he forced 4 fumbles, scored 1 touchdown, and made 67 tackles, showcasing his reliability and skill. His aggressive style of play, coupled with his solid defensive force at 6 feet tall, further underlines his potential in the NFL.

While Shilo Sanders’ performance suggests he could make a significant impact in the NFL, his past actions cast a shadow over his future. The 2015 assault charge and subsequent bankruptcy have become significant hurdles. Experts agree that addressing these issues is crucial for Shilo to secure his place in the NFL.

Shilo Sanders’ battle for an NFL future

Shilo Sanders’ NFL draft prospects face a complex hurdle. Last month, NFL scout Dave Syvertsen expressed concerns on the DNVR podcast. “The bankruptcy and the fact that he [Shilo] has been playing under his father with the last two programs” are seen as negatives from his side. Now, Shilo’s impressive coverage snaps, proudly displayed by him and his father, are just one piece of the puzzle. He’s already spent six years in college football, making him an “older rookie” by the time he enters the draft. This, according to Syvertsen, could be a disadvantage, too.

But the biggest threat might not be on the field. Syvertsen predicts an “uphill battle” due to the off-field concerns. The pre-draft process and maturity questions could easily lead teams to overlook him. Now, Shilo’s decision to wait for the draft might not have been the best move. The court case could still hold him back even if he shines in the tougher Big 12 conference.