As we approach the start of training camp, one of the biggest storylines to follow revolves around a rookie who didn't even get drafted. Shilo Sanders was among the most famous undrafted free agent signings of the last few years, and so far, he's subverted expectations by putting together a solid case for making the final roster.
Whether or not that actually happens will be determined by what happens next month.
Even if Sanders continues to prove himself at Bucs camp, the biggest factor working against him might be entirely out of his control.
Two key reasons could prevent Shilo Sanders from making the Buccaneers final roster
Buccaneers insider Scott Reynolds pointed out a pretty good reason why Sanders might find himself on the wrong side of the roster bubble. It's not that the rookie isn't talented or well-liked in the building; it's that he's not the only player in that category.
JJ Roberts was also an undrafted free agent this offseason, but is one who has a few key things Sanders doesn't.
"Roberts had a draftable grade, unlike Sanders, and was in for an official 30 visit prior to the draft, whereas Sanders was not," Reynolds wrote. "Plus, the team also gave him hundreds of thousands of dollars in guaranteed money that Sanders didn’t get."
That last part is a big one, as the Bucs are already financially invested in Roberts being part of the safety rotation next season. He showed a ton of potential while at Marshall, and getting him in the same room as Antoine Winfield Jr. feels like a winning strategy for helping him develop into another late-round jewel in Jason Licht's draft crown.
A quick look at his tape makes it even harder to argue against him:
Well we are about to start a conversation— Marshall SAF JJ Roberts can play! https://t.co/BhJv5IufQz pic.twitter.com/53HGBCaUUW
— Kyle Crabbs (@KyleCrabbs) April 15, 2025
The Bucs are thin at safety, which is why Sanders still has a chance to make the roster even if Roberts does as well. Sanders also has a potential path to a 53-man spot through special teams, but at the very least it feels like he'll be offered a spot on Tampa Bay's practice squad if he ends up getting cut.
Roberts, on the other hand, seems to be in the driver's seat heading into training camp for what feels like the last seat in the safety room. Last year the Bucs carried four safeties into Week 1 and spots are already filled by Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith, and likely Kaevon Merriweather.
There's a chance both Roberts and Sanders make the roster after training camp, but it feels like more of an uphill battle for the latter.
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