There are so many new faces with an NFL team every season, particularly with an incoming rookie class, that sometimes it’s easy to forget about under-the-radar prospects from previous seasons. On Friday, though, 2025 undrafted Green Bay Packers free agent Will Sheppard made sure to leave an impression before the final week before NFL roster cuts.
Sheppard shined for the Packers in the team’s 33-13 victory against the Denver Broncos in Week 2 of the preseason. He hauled in all six of his targets for a team-high 47 receiving yards.
Included on his Friday highlight-reel was a 20-yard reception and a beautiful touchdown grab in the corner of the end zone.
Sheppard opened the eyes of several pundits with his play.
“WR Will Sheppard caught a TD pass from No. 2 QB Tyrod Taylor on a fade route, neatly snagging the ball over his head and dragging his back toe in bounds,” wrote Packers.com’s Mike Spofford. “The call was discussed at length on the field by the officials and was upheld on replay review.
“That was one of six catches for 47 yards for Sheppard, who’s at a crowded position but pushing for a spot.”
The NFL’s official X account posted a slow-mo replay of the touchdown Friday night.
“The catch. The toe tap,” read the video’s caption. “INSANE TD by Will Sheppard.”
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“Where were you for the Will Sheppard Toe Drag?” The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman wrote on X.
“Will Sheppard has some juice,” wrote Locked on Packers’ Peter Bukowski. “Has no shot to make the Packers roster but I like him.”
Will Sheppard Shines for Packers in Week 2 of NFL Preseason
GettyGreen Bay Packers former undrafted wide receiver Will Sheppard stood out with a stellar preseason performance Friday night.
Analysts weren’t the only ones left impressed with Sheppard on Friday night. Packers fans also commended the wideout for his strong play versus the Broncos.
“Packers are going to have an awfully hard decision to make when it comes to who they keep out of Sheppard, Neyor or Melton,” wrote a fan on social media. “Melton provides SOME corner depth, but Neyor/Shepp have looked fantastic.”
Melton provides SOME corner depth, but Neyor/Shepp have looked fantastic
Going to be an interesting decision 👀
Sheppard originally tried to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted receiver in April 2025. But after failing his physical, the Buccaneers balked at officially agreeing to the deal.
Sheppard tried out for the Broncos at rookie minicamp. But he then eventually signed a contract with the Packers just before 2025 training camp.
He’s been in Green Bay ever since battling for opportunities.
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