Packers Snag Breakout WR Will Sheppard in Pre-Camp Signing Surge

Wide receiver Will Sheppard is getting a fresh NFL opportunity after agreeing to terms with the Green Bay Packers on July 21, 2025, according to multiple reports. The former Vanderbilt star, who transferred to Colorado for his final collegiate season, joined the 2024 draft class as an undrafted free agent and initially attempted to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in May, but that deal fell through when he did not pass his physical. Healthy again, Sheppard will report to Green Bay’s training camp this week and compete for a depth role in a young receiving room headlined by Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Jayden Reed. The Packers have been searching for reliable size on the perimeter—Sheppard stands 6-3, 200 pounds—and value his red-zone résumé: he totaled 21 touchdown catches in three seasons at Vanderbilt before adding six more scores for the Buffaloes last fall. Key factors that make the signing intriguing: • Size/speed upside: Sheppard ran a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at Colorado’s pro day and posted a 38-inch vertical, measurables that match Green Bay’s historical thresholds for outside receivers. • Route versatility: He lined up 61 % of the time on the boundary and 39 % in the slot for the Buffaloes, giving head coach Matt LaFleur schematic flexibility. • Special-teams value: Sheppard logged 171 career snaps on punt- and kick-coverage units, a path often used by Packers rookies to secure roster spots. What’s next? The 23-year-old will battle fellow undrafted signees like Malik Washington and veteran fringe options such as Bo Melton for one of the final wide-receiver slots. If he flashes during preseason action—particularly in contested-catch situations—Sheppard could push for a place on the 53-man roster or, at minimum, the practice squad. Green Bay traditionally carries six or seven receivers into Week 1, and general manager Brian Gutekunst has shown a willingness to keep productive UDFAs, most recently with Samori Toure in 2023. Fantasy and betting implications: While Sheppard is unlikely to command early-season targets behind Watson, Doubs, and Reed, his size could earn him red-zone looks if injuries strike. Dynasty managers in deep leagues may stash him as a speculative add, while bettors should monitor camp reports for signs that Sheppard is earning first-team reps before considering any long-shot rookie-touchdown props. Bottom line: Will Sheppard’s journey from Vanderbilt standout to Colorado transfer to undrafted free agent has been winding, but his freshly inked deal with the Packers gives him a clear runway to prove he belongs in the NFL. If he capitalizes on his combination of length, leaping ability, and work ethic, Green Bay may have found another developmental gem for quarterback Jordan Love.