Senior safety Jonas Sanker was selected 93rd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft Friday by the New Orleans Saints. Sanker will officially become the 190th former Virginia stalwart to play in the NFL.
Sanker is the fifth Cavalier to ever be drafted by the Saints, and the first since 1986. Also included in that cohort is Kent Merritt, a 1974 draftee who was one of the first Black football players at the University.
Sanker, a Charlottesville native, spent his entire collegiate career at Virginia — patrolling the defensive backfield from 2021 to 2024. He was a two-time First Team All-ACC selection.
His final campaign was particularly strong, as he led the Cavaliers with 98 total tackles and 8.5 tackles for loss. As a result, Sanker earned First Team All-ACC honors from various outlets.
Even though Virginia finished 2024 with a disappointing 5-7 record, Sanker was seldom part of the problem. He was a surefire tackler, a great safety in coverage — and also, a stellar teammate. Sanker was one of five team captains as voted on by his fellow Cavaliers. Evidently, he caught the attention of NFL scouts — as he will now head to New Orleans.
In 2024, the Saints went 5-12, which was their first losing season since 2016. A key reason why they accrued a subpar record was that they owned a porous pass defense that ranked fifth worst in the NFL. Sanker, a safety, should assist on that front. He will join a group of safeties that features Tyrann Mathieu and Justin Reid — the latter of whom was listed as a pro comparison for Sanker.
After Sanker, one of Virginia’s own has now been drafted into the NFL for the fourth year in a row — an endorsement of Coach Tony Elliott’s program.
Read More
In overtime, and with everything on the line, men’s lacrosse falls to No. 9 Duke
By Michael Liebermann | 6 hours ago“I really do,” Tiffany said. “I think we did play our best lacrosse today.”
Post-NFL Draft, Chris Tyree and Tyler Neville sign undrafted free agent deals
By Xander Tilock | 6 hours agoA pair of Cavaliers will have the chance to earn an NFL roster spot.
Virginia averts late collapse, wins road series versus No. 24 Georgia Tech
By Emory Huffman | 6 hours agoVirginia is one win away from sweeping a ranked opponent.
