Shilo Sanders has developed into a fan favorite since joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. From the moment he arrived in town, he won fans over with his charismatic personality and giving spirit. However, as an undrafted free agent, making the 53-man roster is an uphill battle.
With one preseason game left, and cut day just days away, everyone is curious to know if the fan-favorite Sanders is on track to make the active roster. Buccaneers reporter Scott Reynolds recently answered no to that question, arguing that Sanders hasn’t done enough to secure himself a roster spot.
Shilo Sanders predicted not to make Buccaneers 53-man roster
With fellow undrafted rookie safety J.J. Roberts going down with a season-ending injury, it was fair to ask if that meant Sanders had a good chance of making the roster. Reynolds detailed why Roberts’ injury still doesn’t affect Sanders’ chances much, explaining that there are two other safeties Sanders is competing with, who he hasn’t overtaken yet.
"Shilo Sanders still has some work to do in practice and in the final preseason game to make the 53-man roster... Sanders is essentially battling Kaevon Merriweather and Rashad Wisdom for the fourth and final safety spot on the roster… Sanders looks like a practice squad safety right now and really needs to show up with a big play or two against Buffalo in the preseason finale in order to make his case for inclusion in the 53-man roster."Scott Reynolds (Pewter Report)
As Reynolds pointed out, Sanders is still projected to be behind five other satieties, which means he will likely be cut. However, the undrafted rookie has impressed coaches with his hard work, aggressiveness, and commitment to special teams. That makes him a candidate for the Tampa Bay practice squad if he clears waivers.
That's probably where Sanders will start his first NFL regular season. That’ll give him the opportunity to continue developing in the Buccaneers organization, and setting himself up for a possible elevation.