As the 2025 NFL Draft rolls into its later rounds, one of the most unexpected storylines has emerged from the Sanders family. Fans are buzzing with a surprising question: is Shilo Sanders in the draft, and could he hear his name called before his more famous brother, Shedeur?
Heading into draft week, no one would have guessed this would even be a conversation. Shedeur Sanders, the standout quarterback for Colorado, was widely projected as a first-round pick. Meanwhile, his brother, Shilo Sanders, a tough and reliable safety, was expected to be a late-round selection at best. Yet, as teams hesitated on Shedeur, the dynamic of the Sanders brothers’ draft journey has shifted dramatically.
A Turn No One Saw Coming
When asking, is Shilo Sanders in the draft, the answer is a resounding yes. Shilo, who racked up an impressive 137 tackles over two seasons at Colorado, has steadily climbed draft boards as teams look for dependable defensive depth. His pedigree, work ethic, and football instincts—traits passed down from Hall of Famer and current Colorado coach Deion Sanders—have kept scouts interested, even if he wasn’t initially a high-profile prospect.
The real shock has been Shedeur’s prolonged wait. With several quarterback-needy teams already filling their rosters early, the market for quarterbacks has thinned dramatically. As a result, Shedeur, once seen as a can’t-miss star, now finds himself still available as Day 3 begins.
Shilo’s Unexpected Rise
Considering the buzz around whether is Shilo Sanders in the draft, it’s clear that his stock is rising at just the right time. While he doesn’t boast the high-upside athleticism that scouts often covet, his consistency, leadership, and NFL-ready instincts make him an attractive option for teams looking for role players and special teams contributors.
At this point, Shilo has a legitimate shot at being selected before Shedeur. Teams in need of defensive help, such as the New England Patriots or the Baltimore Ravens, could easily see Shilo as a safe, late-round investment. His ability to step into a locker room, contribute immediately, and embrace whatever role is asked of him is the kind of value that’s hard to ignore late in the draft.
Why the Quarterback Market Shifted
To understand how we got to this moment, it’s important to realize how dramatically the quarterback market has changed during the draft. Several teams found their solutions earlier than expected, selecting players like Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe, and Dillon Gabriel. That left few landing spots for quarterbacks like Shedeur Sanders, turning him from a “must-have” into more of a “luxury pick.”
As experts continue to ask, is Shilo Sanders in the draft, the growing sentiment is that teams now see more immediate value in grabbing a capable defensive back like Shilo than gambling on a quarterback who might not see the field for years.
Pride for the Sanders Family
Regardless of how the next rounds unfold, it’s a proud moment for Deion Sanders and his family. Having two sons on the cusp of the NFL is an achievement few families can boast. Whether Shedeur is picked before Shilo or vice versa, the Sanders name will continue to shine brightly in the football world.
Still, the unexpected twist that Shilo might hear his name before Shedeur adds another fascinating chapter to this year’s draft. For those still wondering, is Shilo Sanders in the draft, the answer isn’t just yes—it’s that he could be one of the more intriguing steals of the later rounds.
What’s Next for Shilo?
If you’re still questioning is Shilo Sanders in the draft, it’s important to know his future looks bright either way. Even if he isn’t selected during the formal rounds, Shilo will almost certainly find a home quickly as an undrafted free agent. Teams value players with his football IQ, toughness, and ability to contribute on special teams right away.
Shilo’s ability to read offenses, make open-field tackles, and provide locker room leadership are qualities NFL teams covet, especially when filling out the depth chart and strengthening special teams units.
An Unlikely Scenario Becomes Reality
As of today, the once unthinkable is now on the verge of becoming reality. Many fans assumed Shedeur would be celebrating his NFL moment early, while Shilo might have to wait for a phone call after the draft ended. Instead, discussions around is Shilo Sanders in the draft are becoming increasingly pointed, with real possibilities that he could leapfrog his brother on the big stage.
Whatever happens next, the NFL Draft has once again proven why it remains one of the most unpredictable events in sports.