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Shilo Sanders may carry the weight of a famous last name, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't handing out roster spots based on legacy.
The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders signed with the team as an undrafted free agent, and although his playmaking potential has caught the eye of coaches, the Bucs' broader depth chart decisions may work against him as roster cuts loom.
Shilo Sanders battles odds in Tampa Bay
While Tampa Bay's safety room lacks depth, Shilo Sanders still faces an uphill battle.
He must stand out in a limited window of opportunity, especially as the front office weighs positional priorities elsewhere, most notably at quarterback and wide receiver.
Carrying extra players at those positions could squeeze out hopefuls like Sanders, regardless of their performance.
Still, the former Colorado standout has a knack for the big moment.
"It's just an IT thing, either you got it or you don't,"Sanders told reporters during rookie minicamp.
"But throughout my whole career, I've always been, you know, a guy that gets the ball out in any way, shape or form. Forced fumbles, picks - I'm gonna get the ball."
Sanders forced five fumbles and recorded a pick-six during his college career, and his aggressive style fits well with head coach Todd Bowles' defense-first identity.
Bowles himself praised Sanders' early grasp of the playbook and vocal presence in camp: "He's very intelligent, he's very loud. You can hear him today, making calls and everything... but you have to make plays in pads. That's what it comes down to."
The Bucs have been clear about their emphasis on forcing turnovers this season, and defensive coach George Edwards echoed that sentiment.
"We had the opportunity, we just didn't get it done,"Edwards said of last year's takeaway numbers.
"That's the number one emphasis... you have to take the ball away."
Yet for all of Sanders' promise, his fate may be impacted by roster decisions beyond his control.
A potential three-way quarterback backup battle and unexpected investment in late-round wideouts like Tez Johnson could reduce room elsewhere.
If Tampa chooses to carry extra offensive depth, Sanders' best hope may lie on the practice squad.
But if he continues making noise, on the field and in the meeting room, he might just force the Bucs to make space.