TAMPA — Shilo Sanders looked over the packed boxes in his garage back in Colorado. The defensive back has signed a one-year deal with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent and is ready to transition from Boulder to Tampa Bay.
If he secures a spot on the team, he’ll be earning $840,000 as a rookie—the starting minimum.
Shilo is not just your average rookie; he’s the son of Colorado coach Deion Sanders, which gives him both heritage and potential in the defensive backfield.
His brother, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, had a rollercoaster experience during the NFL draft, being selected in the fifth round by the Browns, making headlines across the league.
Shilo has a solid opportunity to shine with the Bucs, especially since the safety position is currently thin. Jordan Whitehead was recently placed on the non-football injury list and was released after a car accident.
Coach Todd Bowles is on the hunt for “ball hawks” in his defense. Although Shilo recorded just one interception in 34 games at South Carolina and Colorado, he did force five fumbles.
The rookie minicamp will also be filled with draft picks like receiver Emeka Egbuka, their top-round selection from Ohio State. It’s a critical moment for assessing their picks made two weeks ago.
However, it’s also a vital week for evaluating Sanders and other undrafted free agents. Every once in a while, a team unearths a gem, like tight end Cam Brate, receiver Karl Williams, linebacker Shelton Quarles, receiver Adam Humphries, or receiver/kick returner Clifton Smith.
There are some interesting talents to watch when the rookie minicamp kicks off this Friday.
T Ben Chukwuma, Georgia State
Chukwuma first caught Georgia State’s eye during an open tryout for walk-ons back in 2020.
Originally from Nigeria, he moved to the U.S. at 17, where he had predominantly played soccer and basketball. Football was a brand-new experience for him.
Standing out at 6-foot-6 and weighing 240 pounds during the tryout, Chukwuma was initially considered a defensive end, but the coaching staff saw him as a future NFL offensive tackle.
Despite only playing 23 games, his impressive tape convinced the Bucs to offer him a guaranteed $300,000—the highest for any undrafted free agent this year.
With swing tackle Justin Skule signing with the Vikings and Charlie Heck joining from the 49ers, the depth at the tackle position looks limited behind Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke, who missed four games due to a concussion last season. The Bucs are clearly banking on Chukwuma’s potential.
DT Desmond Watson, Florida
Entering minicamp, Watson is the largest player in the NFL, standing at 6-6 and weighing 464 pounds during his pro day. Reports suggest he’s dropped around 25 pounds since then, but he still has work to do regarding his weight before he can compete effectively.
A graduate of Armwood High, Watson comes from a highly athletic family—his elder brother, Darrian McNeal, played as a receiver at Oregon, and his younger sister is a volleyball player at Pasco-Hernando State College.
With the Bucs’ trainers and nutritionists in his corner, if he puts in the effort, just imagine the duo of Watson and 355-pound Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vita Vea. Opponents might find it tough to push against that kind of force.
LB John Bullock, Nebraska
Let’s face it—the Bucs didn’t make headlines addressing the inside linebacker position during the draft.
Lavonte David is back for one more year at 35 years old, showcasing that he can still contribute with a leading number of tackles, five sacks, and an interception. But his age is a concern.
SirVocea Dennis managed only four games last season before facing a season-ending shoulder surgery. The Bucs added Dolphins free agent Anthony Walker, who’s 29 and brings much-needed experience, while K.J. Britt signed on with Miami.
Yet, an opening exists for Bullock, who is also a Cornhusker like David.
Bullock set personal bests last season with 70 tackles (10 for loss), four sacks, five pass breakups, and even a pick-six. The Bucs are on the lookout for a new wave of inside linebackers, making it a prime time for Bullock to show his capabilities.
WR Dino Tomlin, Boston College
And yes, he is indeed the son of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin—just in case you needed a reminder of how fast time flies.
Tomlin had a quiet season at Boston College, racking up only three catches for 40 yards last year. He began his collegiate journey at Maryland, where he spent two seasons. His overall numbers are modest: 40 receptions for 552 yards without a touchdown.
Standing 6-foot and weighing 188 pounds, Tomlin faces stiff competition for a spot on the 53-man roster, especially with established stars Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Egbuka already in the mix.
Not to mention, that doesn’t account for guys like Trey Palmer or Sterling Sheppard.
However, it’s fascinating to observe how similar Dino might be to his father in terms of drive and talent.
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Conclusion
As the Bucs gear up for rookie minicamp, fresh faces and undrafted talents like Shilo Sanders, Ben Chukwuma, Desmond Watson, John Bullock, and Dino Tomlin are all vying for their chance to shine. Each one brings unique strengths and challenges, making this an incredibly exciting time for fans to stay tuned as they embark on their NFL journeys.
FAQs
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What is rookie minicamp?
- It’s a practice period for newly drafted and undrafted players to showcase their skills.
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Who are some notable undrafted free agents?
- Shilo Sanders, Ben Chukwuma, Desmond Watson, John Bullock, and Dino Tomlin are all intriguing prospects.
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What is Shilo Sanders’ background?
- He is the son of Coach Deion Sanders and hopes to make a name for himself in the NFL.
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Why is Ben Chukwuma noteworthy?
- He’s a unique story of talent who transferred from Nigeria and has garnered attention for his size and potential.
- What are Dino Tomlin’s chances of making the roster?
- With fierce competition ahead, his path will be challenging but intriguing, given his lineage.
