Former Colorado wide receiver Will Sheppard signing with the Green Bay Packers might not be the kind of offseason transaction that breaks the NFL internet, but it’s exactly the type of subtle, smart move that could pay massive dividends once the season gets rolling. Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Sheppard is joining the Packers in a move that speaks volumes not just about the player himself, but also about Green Bay’s offensive strategy, long-term planning, and ability to identify and develop overlooked talent. To fully appreciate this acquisition, you have to understand Will Sheppard’s journey, the Packers’ current roster dynamics, and how Sheppard’s style of play fits perfectly into what head coach Matt LaFleur and quarterback Jordan Love are trying to build.
Will Sheppard didn’t start his college career at Colorado. In fact, his collegiate legacy is most strongly defined by his time at Vanderbilt, an SEC program that hasn’t exactly been known for producing NFL-caliber wide receivers in recent years. Despite that, Sheppard carved out a name for himself, rising above the noise in a conference dominated by teams like Alabama, Georgia, and LSU. His combination of size, route-running savvy, and toughness made him a standout at Vanderbilt, where he racked up impressive stats and developed a reputation for being a go-to guy in clutch moments. By the time he transferred to Colorado for his final season, Sheppard had already proven he could compete at a high level.
His lone season at Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders was interesting. Sheppard joined a wide receiver room that included stars like Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr., which meant fewer opportunities than he had at Vanderbilt. However, he still managed to make an impact. While his raw numbers in Boulder weren’t eye-popping, his film told a different story. He ran crisp routes, made contested catches, and showed veteran-level instincts that can be hard to quantify but are easy to spot when you’re watching closely. He didn’t need 1,000 yards to make a statement—his body of work and football IQ spoke volumes.
Now that he’s heading to the NFL, Will Sheppard brings with him a blend of experience, grit, and potential that could be incredibly valuable to a young team like the Packers. Green Bay has made a clear commitment to building around quarterback Jordan Love, who had an encouraging breakout season in 2023. With Aaron Rodgers no longer casting his long shadow over the organization, the Packers have pivoted toward a youth movement, particularly at the skill positions. Their wide receiver room already includes promising young talents like Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed—all drafted within the last few years. The addition of Sheppard adds even more depth and competition to that group, while also offering a slightly different skill set.
Sheppard stands at 6’3” and weighs about 200 pounds, giving him the physical frame to be an outside receiver who can win jump balls and fight through press coverage. He’s not the fastest guy on the field, but he doesn’t need to be. His game is predicated on precision, timing, and toughness—traits that often translate better to the NFL than raw athleticism alone. In Green Bay’s offense, which values timing routes and decision-making, Sheppard could find a niche as a third-down target or a red zone option. His ability to box out defenders and his knack for finding soft spots in zone coverage give him the potential to be an early contributor if he adapts quickly to the speed of the pro game.
It’s also worth noting that Sheppard’s path to the NFL was anything but guaranteed. He went undrafted, which speaks less to his talent and more to the depth and unpredictability of the draft process. Plenty of capable receivers fall through the cracks every year, and Sheppard is just the latest example of a guy who probably should have heard his name called but didn’t. That kind of snub often fuels players in powerful ways. Historically, undrafted receivers who succeed in the NFL often do so because they play with a chip on their shoulder. They don’t take anything for granted, and they approach every practice and every rep like their job depends on it—because it does. Sheppard’s work ethic and demeanor make him a prime candidate to fit into that mold.
Jordan Schultz breaking the news of Sheppard’s signing also signals that this wasn’t just a run-of-the-mill training camp addition. Schultz is known for delivering high-quality scoops on meaningful roster developments, and his reporting on Sheppard suggests that the Packers see more than just a camp body in him. They likely view him as a developmental player with upside who could push for a 53-man roster spot if things break right. It’s easy to see how that could happen. Green Bay’s receiver room, while young and exciting, is still evolving. Injuries, inconsistency, and the need for role-specific players open the door for someone like Sheppard to come in and make waves.
The Packers’ offense under LaFleur is one that rewards intelligent players. It’s a system built on deception, motion, play-action, and layered route concepts. Success in this scheme demands that wide receivers be students of the game. They have to understand coverage rotations, adjust routes on the fly, and block in the run game. These are not optional—they’re expected. Watching Sheppard on tape, you see a player who is mentally locked in on every snap. He understands leverage, positioning, and timing, and those attributes could allow him to catch on quickly in a system that values mental sharpness as much as physical ability.
Another element that works in Sheppard’s favor is his professional mindset. At both Vanderbilt and Colorado, coaches and teammates raved about his maturity and leadership. In a league where locker room dynamics can make or break a team’s season, bringing in players who add to the culture is critical. Sheppard isn’t flashy, and he doesn’t crave the spotlight. He shows up, does the work, and lets his performance do the talking. For a team like Green Bay—rooted in tradition, consistency, and team-first mentality—he could be a perfect cultural fit.
There’s also an interesting tactical reason why Green Bay might have made this move. Given the increasing emphasis on depth and specialization in today’s NFL, teams need a variety of wide receiver types to handle different roles. The Packers already have speed guys like Watson, possession receivers like Doubs, and slot options like Reed. What they’ve lacked at times is a consistent boundary target with strong hands who can win contested catches and convert key third downs. Sheppard has the tools to be that guy. He may not start right away, but in certain situations—especially in the red zone or in two-minute drills—he could carve out a role as a dependable option for Love.
Additionally, special teams can’t be overlooked here. For fringe roster players and undrafted rookies, special teams often provide the quickest path to meaningful snaps. Sheppard has experience in multiple special teams roles, and his size and toughness make him a viable option as a gunner or on kick return coverage. If he can prove valuable in those areas early in training camp, his chances of making the team skyrocket. NFL coaches constantly emphasize “value over volume,” and if Sheppard can do a lot of little things well, he’ll stick around longer than most expect.
Looking at the broader NFL landscape, the Will Sheppard signing is part of a larger trend we’ve seen in recent years: teams looking beyond the draft to find real contributors. The pre-draft process is far from perfect, and many teams now use the post-draft signing window as a critical second wave of talent acquisition. Green Bay, in particular, has had success in this area. Players like Allen Lazard and Sam Shields were once undrafted longshots who turned into important pieces for the franchise. Sheppard could very well follow in those footsteps.
It’s also important to remember that in the modern NFL, wide receiver is arguably the most competitive position group. With the proliferation of spread offenses in college football, there’s a surplus of capable pass catchers entering the league every year. That means a guy like Sheppard, despite having the tools to succeed, has to continually prove himself against steep competition. But that’s also what makes the NFL so special—talent rises, and those who put in the work eventually get rewarded. Sheppard now has his shot, and based on everything we know about his character and skillset, he’s going to make the most of it.
One could also view this signing through the lens of quarterback development. Every young quarterback needs reliable targets to grow with, and Jordan Love is no exception. By adding another smart, dependable receiver into the mix, the Packers are giving Love one more weapon to develop chemistry with. Continuity is everything at the quarterback position, and surrounding Love with high-IQ players like Sheppard helps accelerate that continuity. Whether it’s during OTAs, training camp, or preseason games, those reps will matter. They lay the groundwork for what the offense will look like when it counts.
There’s a humility to Will Sheppard’s game that makes him easy to root for. He doesn’t need to be flashy. He doesn’t need to talk a big game. He plays football the right way—precise, tough, and with a high motor. For a team like the Packers, who are trying to build something sustainable around a young nucleus, that kind of attitude fits perfectly. It’s not about making headlines. It’s about making plays when they matter.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on the usual stars. But if you’re paying attention, you’ll keep an eye on No. 19 or whatever jersey Will Sheppard ends up wearing. Because every year, there’s at least one player who wasn’t supposed to be a big deal—who wasn’t drafted high or given much attention—but who ends up forcing his way onto the roster and into meaningful snaps. Sheppard has every chance to be that guy this year. He’s done the hard part already: earning a shot. Now it’s just about taking advantage of the opportunity.
The beauty of football lies in stories like these. It’s not just about five-star recruits or first-round picks. It’s about grit, timing, and fit. It’s about guys like Will Sheppard, who take the long road, keep their heads down, and wait for the right moment to show everyone what they can do. If you’re a Packers fan, this signing might be easy to overlook on the surface. But don’t make that mistake. Will Sheppard has the potential to be a valuable piece of this team—on the field, in the locker room, and in the broader culture of what Green Bay is trying to build.
This is how great rosters are built—not just with splashy free agents or big-name draft picks, but with calculated risks on high-character players who bring something different to the table. Will Sheppard is one of those players. Time will tell what role he ultimately plays in Green Bay’s season, but for now, he represents exactly what every team in the NFL should be chasing: untapped potential with a foundation built on work ethic, skill, and resilience.
