2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Vanderbilt WR Will Sheppard
Will Sheppard
Vanderbilt
Report Grade
Position Rank
Overall Rank
Will Sheppard
Vanderbilt
Player Comp
Projection
Height
Weight
40 Time
Class
WR
Combine Measurables
Arm Length
Hand Size
Wingspan
3 Cone
Vertical
Broad Jump
Bench Press
Shuttle
Career Stats
| Year | School | Class | Games | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Yards Per Reception | Touchdowns | Rushing Attempts | Rushing Yards | Yards Per Rushing Attempt | Rushing Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Vanderbilt | FR | 3 | 2 | 30 | 15.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -- | 0 |
| 2021 | Vanderbilt | rFR | 11 | 43 | 577 | 13.4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | -- | 0 |
| 2022 | Vanderbilt | rSO | 12 | 60 | 776 | 12.9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | -- | 0 |
Strengths
- Shows some smart route-running ability against zone coverage.
- Very strong catch radius and soft hands.
- Excellent receiver through contact, absorbs it well and maintains possession of the football.
- Physical, brash RAC style.
Weaknesses
- Not great speed, won’t be a burner.
- Doesn’t offer a lot of deep ball ability, prefers to work in the intermediate area of the field.
- Struggled with some concentration drops.
Bio
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Vanderbilt WR Will Sheppard
Will Sheppard is an intriguing prospect entering the 2023 season, showing some very productive traits that could make him an NFL target in the later draft rounds. One of the few bright spots on the Vanderbilt roster over the last couple of seasons, Sheppard has been productive in the Commodore’s offense and has become the go-to receiver for the team.
Will Sheppard 40 Time
Projected 40 Time: 4.50 seconds
As a receiver, I wonder if he will be limited to a slot role, in one similar to Jaxon Smith Njigba’s role at the next level. He’s not a burner and won’t test extremely well, and he’s much more comfortable working in the intermediate areas of the field. He’s a master of controlling the catch point, absorbing contact, and controlling the catch through those areas exceptionally well. After the catch, he will offer a bold, physical run style with strength and vision to work well in space.
As I mentioned, he isn’t going to blow people away with his athletic numbers. His speed is good enough but not great to really work the boundary. While Sheppard has good, soft hands, he has struggled with concentration drops. I don’t see a lot of strong footwork with him as he’s been more productive finding the soft spots against zone coverage.
Recruiting Bio
Will Sheppard was a three-star prospect coming from Mandeville High in Mandeville, LA, earning an 84.20 rating on On3’s Industry Ranking. He chose Vanderbilt over offers from Texas State, Army, South Alabama, and several HBCU schools.
Sheppard was first-team all-region and all-conference in 2018 and 2019, making 126 catches for 2252 yards and 33 touchdowns over his high school career. While at Mandeville, he also earned varsity letters in basketball and track and field. His father, Willie, played football at Louisiana Tech, while his mother, Rebekah Boyd, played volleyball at Louisiana Tech.
Sheppard is the most valuable Vanderbilt player, estimated to be worth $104k in NIL per On3, with sponsorships with the Anchor Collective and the Anchor Impact Fund.
Accolades
- 2022 2nd Team All-SEC
2024 WR Rankings
#1
Marvin Harrison Jr
WR – Ohio State
#2
Xavier Worthy
WR – Texas
#3
Emeka Egbuka
WR – Ohio State
#4
Rome Odunze
WR – Washington