Will Sheppard WR Colorado | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Will Sheppard WR Colorado
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| ROLE: Outside X-Receiver | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 05/24/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.49 seconds (55%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ROLE: Outside X-Receiver | |
| Last Updated: 05/24/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.49 seconds (55%*) | |
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| Overall Rating: | 84.2 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Defense player has faced | ||
| Defense Rating: |
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79% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| QB Rating When targeted: | 98.5 | |
| Hands: |
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59% |
| Short Receiving: |
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81% |
| Intermediate Routes: |
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88% |
| Deep Threat: |
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85% |
| Blocking: |
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50% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
4th
Overall Rank:
#107
Position rank:
#12
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| College Games: 40 College Snaps: 2055 | ||
ESPN RATING: 74/100
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247 RATING: 89/100
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RIVALS RATING: 5.5 (90%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Seth Williams - Auburn |
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83% |
| Isaiah Weston - Northern Iowa |
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77% |
| Ty Fryfogle - Indiana |
|
75% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Will Sheppard, hailing from Mandeville, Louisiana, attended Mandeville High School where he played varsity football for three years. He finished his high school career with 2,252 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns. Sheppard was also a standout in basketball and track and field, showcasing his athletic versatility.
Rated as a 3-star recruit, Sheppard chose to join Vanderbilt. In his freshman year in 2020, Sheppard played 5 games and recorded 2 receptions for 31 yards. His sophomore year saw a significant improvement with 43 catches for 577 yards and 4 touchdowns. As a junior in 2022, he made 60 receptions for 768 yards and 9 touchdowns, becoming a key target in the offense. In his senior year, Sheppard continued his impressive performance with 47 catches for 684 yards and 8 touchdowns.
After his senior season at Vanderbilt, Sheppard transferred to Colorado to play under Coach Prime and further develop his skills. Throughout his college career, Sheppard earned several accolades, including midseason and preseason All-SEC honors, and a spot on the Senior Bowl Watch List.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Reliable receiver capable of making difficult catches in traffic over the middle or down the sideline.
- Runs precise routes with an innate feel for creating separation from defensive backs.
- Good ball skills, including the ability to high-point the ball in contested-catch situations.
- Quick, violent hands to fight off press coverage and maintain balance.
- Strong, competitive hands that fight through contact at the catch point.
- Creative runner with good vision in the open field; potential option for kick returns.
- Utilizes his body well to shield defenders, contributing to a high contested-catch rate.
- Effective in setting up defenders on slant routes and back-shoulder throws.
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Issues with drops when coming back to the ball and against press coverage.
- Less than elite playing speed; struggles to outrun defenders at the NFL level.
- Played in a simplistic offense at Vanderbilt, limiting his exposure to a full route tree.
- Struggles to finish through significant contact and lacks creativity post-catch.
- High-hipped athlete who has trouble gearing down and maintaining balance through contact.
Scouting Report: Summary
Will Sheppard's transfer to Colorado offers him a fresh platform to polish his skills in a more dynamic offensive scheme, which could enhance his draft stock significantly. His strong hands and precise route-running are assets, but expanding his route tree in Colorado’s pass-heavy system could showcase his adaptability and readiness for NFL-level complexities.
On the flip side, the transition also presents challenges—Sheppard must quickly adapt to new teammates and a different playbook. His ability to overcome these challenges and demonstrate improved consistency, especially against press coverage, will be critical in elevating his profile. Addressing his previous limitations, such as drops and average playing speed, in this new setting will be essential.
Ultimately, Sheppard's move to Colorado is a strategic step that, if navigated successfully, could position him as a more complete receiver in the eyes of NFL scouts. This opportunity to develop and showcase a more refined skillset makes him a potentially intriguing option for teams seeking a versatile and determined wide receiver in the upcoming draft.
How other scouting services rate Will Sheppard (Overall Rank)
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.