Former Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Will Sheppard has officially taken the next step in his football journey by signing with the Green Bay Packers, a move that may not dominate headlines nationally but certainly carries significant implications both for the player and the team. Sheppard’s signing marks a continuation of Green Bay’s recent trend of banking on high-upside players with something to prove—young men who may have been overlooked by some NFL scouts but whose athleticism, football IQ, and resilience make them intriguing assets. For Sheppard, this is a validation of years of hard work, an up-and-down college career, and a reminder that belief in one’s talent can eventually open doors to the biggest stage in the sport.
Will Sheppard’s path to the NFL hasn’t been the most traditional. Originally beginning his college career at Vanderbilt, Sheppard made an early name for himself as a reliable deep threat and physical outside presence for a struggling Commodores team. Despite being surrounded by inconsistency at quarterback and limited offensive firepower during his time in the SEC, Sheppard continued to develop his game. He gradually evolved from a red zone threat into a well-rounded wideout capable of running a broader route tree and making contested catches against SEC-level defensive backs. His breakout year came during his junior season, where he caught 60 passes for over 800 yards and nine touchdowns. It wasn’t a season that earned him national awards, but for evaluators paying attention, it was enough to plant Sheppard firmly on the NFL radar.
His transfer to Colorado for his final collegiate season was a calculated risk. Deion Sanders had just begun to reshape the Buffaloes program, attracting national attention with high-profile recruits, transfer portal signings, and a no-nonsense coaching style that promised culture change. For Sheppard, the move represented an opportunity to showcase his talents on a bigger stage, to catch passes from a high-profile quarterback like Shedeur Sanders, and to prove that he could be a difference-maker in a Power Five conference under bright lights. While Colorado had its ups and downs during that campaign, Sheppard’s professionalism, leadership, and knack for big plays stood out. He provided a veteran presence to a young receiver corps and served as a dependable target on third downs and in the red zone, finishing the year with over 600 receiving yards and multiple touchdowns despite splitting targets with emerging freshmen.
Scouts took note. Sheppard may not have lit up the Combine or produced jaw-dropping testing numbers, but his 6’3” frame, solid hands, and football intelligence made him a popular name in mid-to-late round discussions ahead of the NFL Draft. When the draft came and went without Sheppard hearing his name called, many were surprised. It wasn’t a reflection of a lack of talent, but rather the saturated nature of the wide receiver class and a league that often chases raw athletic traits over polished college production. Still, the Packers had done their homework. They knew Sheppard was more than a camp body. He was a player with a high floor, a natural feel for the game, and the maturity to navigate the transition from college to professional football.
Signing Sheppard is more than just a depth move for Green Bay. It’s an acknowledgement of the kind of receivers the Packers have historically succeeded with—guys who may lack flash but bring consistency, attention to detail, and the ability to win on the perimeter. Green Bay’s roster currently includes a mix of young receivers still finding their footing, and Sheppard’s ability to run crisp routes, block downfield, and contribute on special teams could fast-track his spot on the 53-man roster. Head coach Matt LaFleur has frequently talked about the importance of execution, and Sheppard’s tape shows a player who executes well even when he isn’t the primary read on a play.
This also underscores the Packers’ continued reliance on player development rather than simply chasing big-name free agents or overpaying for perceived instant impact. Green Bay’s offense is still taking shape in the post-Aaron Rodgers era, and while quarterback Jordan Love has shown flashes of brilliance, the team understands that surrounding him with reliable, smart players is crucial for his continued growth. A player like Sheppard, who has experience working with multiple quarterbacks in college and adjusting his play style accordingly, could be an ideal fit in that evolving system. His comfort in high-leverage moments—whether making a critical catch on third-and-seven or boxing out defenders in the end zone—makes him an intriguing red-zone target.
Beyond the on-field impact, Sheppard brings an intangible value that teams often overlook until it’s missing—leadership. At Colorado, he was known as a quiet but vocal leader, a guy who preferred to set the tone by example rather than theatrics. His work ethic in practice, willingness to mentor younger players, and refusal to complain even when targets were limited made him a favorite of the coaching staff. That kind of locker room presence can be immensely beneficial on a young team like the Packers, particularly in the receiver room where egos can sometimes run unchecked. Having someone like Sheppard around to model professionalism can elevate the overall tone of the group.
Of course, the NFL is a brutal meritocracy. Nothing is promised, and Sheppard knows that better than most. He enters Packers training camp as a player fighting for a roster spot, not a guaranteed contributor. But that fight is exactly what has defined his career thus far. From overlooked recruit to SEC standout, from late transfer to trusted Buffalo, from undrafted hopeful to Green Bay Packer—his journey is built on proving people wrong and embracing the grind. His goal now is simple: prove he belongs. That means mastering the playbook, building chemistry with the quarterbacks, and making the most of every opportunity, whether it’s during preseason games, practice reps, or special teams drills.
The Packers’ history is filled with success stories of players who weren’t highly regarded entering the league. From Donald Driver to Jordy Nelson to Allen Lazard, the team has often trusted their development system and coaching staff to mold contributors from unlikely places. Will Sheppard has a chance to add his name to that list. His game isn’t flashy, but it’s fundamentally sound. He knows how to find soft spots in zone coverage, how to shield defenders with his body, and how to create separation at the top of routes without wasting motion. In a league where so many rookies struggle to adapt to the speed and complexity of pro defenses, Sheppard’s cerebral approach to the game could be his ticket to longevity.
What happens next will be determined on the field. But for now, Sheppard’s signing is a small but meaningful win—not just for him, but for every athlete who doesn’t follow the straight path to success. It’s a testament to perseverance, to betting on oneself, and to the reality that sometimes, fit matters more than flash. The Packers saw in Sheppard what others overlooked, and now he has a chance to reward that faith.
Training camp will be the first major test. Can he carve out a role among a crowded receiver room? Can he hold up in run blocking assignments? Will he show the kind of consistency that coaches value when building the bottom half of the roster? All signs point to a player who’s ready for the challenge. He’s already proven that he can adapt, that he can thrive when the spotlight isn’t always shining his way. In Green Bay, he won’t have to be the star—just a steady, reliable piece of a larger puzzle. And that might be exactly what the Packers need.
