Colorado wide receiver Will Sheppard, who played his first four seasons at Vanderbilt, is now playing alongside top NFL draft prospects Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter. His two teammates are expected to go early in the first round, but where might Sheppard hear his name called in the 2025 NFL Draft? Below, we examine his 2024 season stats, mock draft projections, and more.
Where Did Sheppard Project in Our 7-Round NFL Mock Draft?
In the latest mock draft from Pro Football Network NFL Draft Analyst Ian Cummings, Sheppard is selected in the fourth round at No. 118 by the New Orleans Saints.
Sheppard could be a hidden gem in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, but if he can play up to his potential with the Buffaloes, he won’t be hidden much longer.
Potential NFL Landing Spots for Sheppard
According to PFN’s updated NFL team needs, these are some of the organizations that should prioritize wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Sheppard’s Scouting Report and Measurements
- Height: 6’3″
- Weight: 205 pounds
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: Colorado
- Current Year: Redshirt Senior
Here’s a look at Sheppard’s scouting report from Cummings:
When he arrived at Vanderbilt as a three-star recruit in 2020, Sheppard wasn’t on anyone’s radar. And it stayed that way for a year, as Sheppard acclimated himself in a two-catch, 30-yard true freshman campaign.
Since then, however, Sheppard has quietly been one of the most consistent and most productive WRs in college football while playing in a passing offense that hasn’t had much stability at quarterback.
What a catch this was by Will Sheppard 🔥@CUBuffsFootball pic.twitter.com/gKsq5sxayR
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 28, 2024
From 2021 to 2023, Sheppard amassed 150 receptions for 2,037 yards and 21 touchdowns. He’s averaged almost 700 yards and seven TDs per season — and now, he gets to catch passes from highly-touted 2025 NFL Draft prospect, Shedeur Sanders.
Sheppard 2024 Season Stats and Game Breakdowns
- Receptions: 26
- Receiving Yards: 384
- Yards per Reception: 14.8
- Touchdown Receptions: 3
Sheppard ranks third on Colorado in receptions and receiving yards, trailing only Travis Hunter and LaJohntay Wester. His current statistics are on par with his last three seasons at Vanderbilt.
After going without a receiving touchdown in Colorado’s first four games, he is starting to find his groove with his new team, scoring one in each of the last three games and averaging 78.7 receiving yards per game.
When Is Sheppard Playing Today?
Sheppard and the Colorado Buffaloes will host the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday at 10:15 PM ET on ESPN.
Colorado aims to improve to 6-2 and secure bowl eligibility with a win over Cincinnati.
Despite the doubts of some, Deion Sanders’ Buffaloes are carving out a steady path in the unpredictable Big 12, a sentiment that could also apply to Scott Satterfield’s Cincinnati Bearcats.
Both teams, which went 9-17 combined in their head coaches’ first seasons, now sit at 5-2. On Saturday night, they’ll clash for a chance to secure bowl eligibility in Year 2.