Right before training camp, the Green Bay Packers made a few roster moves. None of them had the chance to be more impactful than signing undrafted rookie Will Sheppard. The 285th prospect on the consensus big board, he has an intriguing athletic and physical profile to offer the Packers' wide receiver room something they really didn't have.
NFL Draft analyst Adam Holt, who covers college football and the NFL for A to Z Sports, shed light on what the rookie can add to the mix.
"When considering a role for Will Sheppard in the pros, it feels like it would be as a team's big-bodied receiver who can win contested-catch opportunities," Holt said. "Some of Sheppard's best highlights came as a Vanderbilt Commodore, but he chose to jump in on the Deion/Shedeur Sanders hype and transferred to Colorado for his fifth collegiate campaign. In a crowded wide receiver room for the Buffaloes, Sheppard's impact was a bit inconsistent. Sheppard caught 27 TDs in his college career, so he knows how to get in the end zone."
The Packers were expected to have 13 wide receivers on the roster. However, with an injured Christian Watson and Bo Melton moving to a full-time cornerback, the group actually has 11 players—which increases the chances of Sheppard at least making the practice squad.
"Usually in camp we like to try to be at that 11 or 12 mark of healthy bodies," general manager Brian Gutekunst said on Wednesday. "Obviously, Christian's not going to be out there, so he's one of those 13. So we're at 12, and I think we'll always try to stay in that 11-12 range for the 90-man roster."
The Packers lack prototypical X receivers. Romeo Doubs and Malik Heath can fill that role, but adding another young piece with that potential is an enticing proposition.
"You won't find many better frames to be able to play outside, as Sheppard is 6-3 and just under 200 pounds," Adam Holt added. "In Green Bay, their top WR options could shake out to be Jayden Reed and rookie Matthew Golden. Neither are over six feet tall. Romeo Doubs checks that box, but trade murmurs have circled him for some time. I think Sheppard could come in and earn a roster spot if given a solid opportunity for this offense that is clearly looking for more pass-catching depth."
Green Bay hasn't shied away from adding and keeping undrafted rookies, if they show early what they are capable of. Will Sheppard has the opportunity to do so, and training camp and preseason will be key to showcase his skillset.
