Louisiana Native Will Sheppard Brings Late-Round NFL Draft Value

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Louisiana Native Will Sheppard Brings Late-Round NFL Draft Value

Bob Rose · Athlon Sports

Tue, Apr 22, 2025 ·

3 min read

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The New Orleans Saints have found great value at the wide receiver position through late-round picks and undrafted signings in recent history.

Marques Colston and Lance Moore are two of the greatest players in franchise history. Rashid Shaheed is blossoming into a fantastic weapon. Others like Brandon Coleman, Willie Snead , Marquez Callaway , Deonte Harris , and A.T. Perry have all had moments with New Orleans .

With a need yet again at wide receiver, the Saints could again look to the late rounds for a hopeful gem. One possible prospect could be an overlooked weapon from a high-profile passing attack from last season and a local Louisiana product.

Will Sheppard , WR (Colorado)

Colorado Buffalos wide receivers Will Sheppard (14) rushes against the Texas Tech Red Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

A graduate of Mandeville High School in Louisiana, Sheppard would commit to Vanderbilt University. He'd play little as a freshman in 2020 but caught 43 passes for 577 yards and 4 scores the following season before a breakout year in 2022.

Sheppard had 60 receptions for 776 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2022, leading the Commodores in all three categories and earning 2nd Team All-SEC recognition. He'd lead Vanderbilt in receiving again in 2023, pulling in 47 passes for 684 yards and 8 touchdowns. After the season, he'd transfer to Colorado.

The Buffaloes built their attack to feature QB Shedeur Sanders for the NFL Draft. Colorado surrounded Sanders with four dynamic wideouts in Sheppard, LaJohntay Webster, Jimmy Horn, and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter .

Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Will Sheppard (14) pulls in a touchdown against the Utah Utes. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Hunter led the Buffaloes in receiving, followed by Webster. Sheppard contributed 48 receptions for 621 yards and 6 touchdowns. Over his collegiate career, Sheppard had four 100-yard games and 12 additional outings with at least 70 yards.

At 6'3" and 205-Lbs., Sheppard possesses a lanky frame and will likely need to add more bulk. Until he does, he could struggle to break free from physical press coverage unless he also improves his upper body movements. He also gets jostled around in high-traffic areas over the middle or in contested catch situations.

Sheppard lacks the elite speed to get separation consistently, so must continue to perfect his route breaks. This also increases the need to better physicality at the catch point and better acceleration at the end of his routes.

Sheppard has the length that coaches like at receiver. He'll use that length to lay out for throws and gives his quarterback a large catch radius. Outstanding leaping ability and terrific timing to high-point the pass increases that radius.

Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver Will Sheppard (14) after a catch against the Colorado State Rams. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

As a route runner, Sheppard exhibits the ability to run an expanded tree and shows terrific awareness against zone coverages. He'll disguise his routes with fluid releases and fakes that resemble a seasoned pro.

Sheppard is able to set up defenders with various movements, which also makes him a more effective deep threat. After the catch, Sheppard shows good vision and elusiveness in the open field to pick up extra yardage, especially in crucial situations.

Will Sheppard has slipped under the radar coming out of a loaded Colorado receiving corps. It wouldn't be a shock if he wasn't drafted at all, with the best projections having him as a late Day 3 choice.

Sheppard brings immediate value and versatility as an outside or slot receiver. He's most effective on outside or shorter patterns. However, his terrific route precision gives him tremendous upside as an intermediate threat. Perhaps one that can work his way into a starting role.

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