Shilo Sanders is winning the race to become the starting cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; he’s outperformed teammate Tykee Smith

Shilo Sanders has made the most of being out of the spotlight that his brother has attracted ever since both entered the NFL. While Shedeur faces the media day in and day out and deals with all the noise surrounding his time with the Cleveland Browns, Shilo has stayed focused on being effective during training, and it seems he’s pulling ahead of his “rival,” Tykee Smith.

The free safety position already has a clear owner in Antoine Winfield Jr., a proven talent who could even make a run at the Pro Bowl. On the other hand, the strong safety spot is still up for grabs, and that’s where Shilo’s performance during the Bucs’ minicamps has become especially valuable.

Thanks to his physical strength, speed, field presence, tackling ability, and solid coverage, Sanders has emerged as a serious contender to start the season in the Buccaneers’ defensive lineup.

And although he’s made a strong impression on the coaching staff, he’s facing stiff competition from Tykee Smith, who was recently moved from defensive back to safety. The former Georgia standout is also highly skilled, meaning the elder Sanders won’t have it easy.

A comparison between Shilo and Tykee

Tykee Smith was dominant in the nickel defense, especially against the run. He reads plays well and knows how to come down and deliver the tackles needed to stop gains.

Now that he’s being shifted to the outside, the adjustment won’t be simple. Covering taller receivers and navigating more open space could prove challenging during this transition.

Meanwhile, Shilo Sanders doesn’t need to change much in terms of style or coverage. Since his time at Colorado, he’s been performing this type of role and knows how to step down and apply pressure effectively. His physical strength enables him to perform this task efficiently, and he also possesses the ability to provide solid coverage on receivers.

With the Buffaloes, Sanders showed he can cover both wideouts and tight ends. His skill set proves he has the talent to become a player that quarterbacks prefer to avoid.

Secondary chemistry is taking shape for the Bucs

With Winfield Jr. patrolling the deep secondary, the Bucs have that area covered. The additions of Sanders and Smith are expected to elevate individual matchups, allowing Tampa Bay’s defensive backfield to be much more effective against opposing offenses.

Shilo has both the physical tools and football instincts to win over coach Todd Bowles, and it seems like that’s already happening. In training sessions, he’s managed to cover the team’s top stars effectively, and that hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Adjusting to the league and embracing a starring role might take a bit of time, but if Sanders continues on this path, all signs point to him claiming the starting job, pending what happens in preseason.

Another point in his favor has been the maturity and leadership he’s shown during recent minicamps. So far, everything’s been going well for Deion Sanders’ son, who hopes to make it official and be the starter come Week 1.