The 2025 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Virginia defensive back Jonas Sanker plans on taking full advantage. Sanker recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Sanker also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his versatility as a do-it-all defensive back, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Sanker better ahead of his journey to the Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction?
Jonas Sanker: I was at practice. I was super excited, for sure. The coaching staff announced my invite at the end of practice in front of the whole team. It was cool to receive the support of my teammates.
JM: That sounds like a special moment. What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Jonas Sanker: I’ve heard a lot of great things about the Senior Bowl from people I trust. There’s a lot of good feedback out there. It can definitely benefit me throughout this pre-draft process. That was the main reason I wanted to accept the invite and compete.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Jonas Sanker: I’m going to do what I do best at a high level. I’m not going to overthink the process. I’m going to get down there and play football. I trust all of the work I’ve poured into my craft over the years. I’m going to stay true to myself. I won’t get caught up or worried about anything else.
JM: You’re super versatile. You’ve been uber-productive as a tackler, totaling 268 tackles in your final three seasons. How would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us.
Jonas Sanker: I would definitely say I’m versatile first and foremost. I think a lot of people are sleeping on my athleticism and how fast I actually am. That’s something I want to prove throughout this entire process, how good of an athlete I am. I move well for my size.
I would say I’m versatile, and I’m a very physical tackler. I’m a dog in my mind. Whatever the task at hand, I’m going to go out there and get the job done.
JM: Are you expecting to play multiple positions in Mobile?
Jonas Sanker: I hope so (laughs). I’d love to. I’m open to whatever plan Jim Nagy and his staff have for me. Whatever the NFL scouts want to see from me, I’m going to be ready and willing. Safety, corner, linebacker, I could care less. I’m just ready to get out there and play ball.
JM: Are there any NFL defensive backs you’d compare yourself to? Somebody who can do all of those things?
Jonas Sanker: I’ve been asked this before. That’s a hard one for me. The way I play, I think there are guys I play similar to, but there’s not one person I’d directly compare myself to. I think I have bits and pieces.
I like the way Budda Baker plays. He’s physical, aggressive, and violent as a tackler. He attacks the ball, he’s a tackling machine. I try to implement some of that into my game. I can cover at a high level. There are some safeties and nickel corners that do a great job in that department.
Derwin James is another one. He’s so athletic and he can cover. He’s a gamer. He goes out there and makes plays. I have some of that as well. I use that same size to cover tight ends, stop the run, force fumbles, and deliver big hits as a tackler.
JM: Those are some great shouts. Anyone you’re looking forward to swapping jerseys with at the next level?
Jonas Sanker: I could give you a long list of names, guys I’ve watched growing up. Before any of those, I definitely want to swap jerseys with my former teammates at Virginia. Those are my brothers. I think those moments are pretty special. It means we’ve both made it. I’m looking forward to that.
JM: Fun question before we let you go. What’s on Jonas Sanker’s pre-game playlist?
Jonas Sanker: It depends. Sometimes I listen to some chill R&B. Other times, it’s upbeat stuff like Gunna or Real Boston Richey. I’m a big Drake fan as well. It really just depends. I like listening to a lot of Drake. This past season, I was listening to more relaxed music before a game.
JM: This has been outstanding. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Jonas Sanker?
Jonas Sanker: It means I went out there and stayed true to myself. I know I have the ability to go out there and establish myself as a leader. I want to be the best player on the field. I’ve placed my trust into the preparation I’ve put into this.
I’m going to play freely and confidently. If I do that, everything else will take care of itself. I’ll have the success I want to have.
