Week 1 of the NFL preseason produced an impressive spark for Colorado Buffaloes alums, led by Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland. Sanders connected for two touchdowns on 14 of 23 attempts, signaling a poised early NFL transition with accuracy, pocket feel, and arm strength that fantasy managers watch closely. LaJohntay Wester electrified Baltimore with an 82-yard punt return touchdown and a 41-yard receiving night, underscoring his ceiling as a playmaker for a wide-receiver-needy Ravens squad. Travis Hunter and Jimmy Horn Jr. also saw meaningful time, flashing versatility and potential in new uniforms. Xavier Weaver added a red-zone highlight for Arizona, while Will Sheppard popped as a primary target in Green Bay’s opener with two catches. Shilo Sanders and BJ Green II contributed on defense and pass rush for their Jacksonville cohorts, rounding out a banner debut weekend for Buffs who could shape dynasty and best-ball rosters as the season unfolds.

Beyond the headline performances, Week 1 offered a broader view: Buffs in new schemes and crowded depth charts showed flashes that could translate to expanded roles as rosters trim and offenses settle in. The Browns leaned into Sanders’ accuracy and timing, the Ravens leaned on Wester’s speed in space, and the Jaguars leaned into Hunter’s two-way possibilities, even as the media pounced on the smaller sample sizes. Panthers and Cardinals investments in Horn Jr. and Weaver hinted at explosive potential in 2025, while the Packers and Titans mirrored the depth-building trend across the league. For fantasy managers, it’s about spotting the right week-to-week opportunities as these players integrate into NFL offenses.

The Green Bay Packers are bolstering their receiving corps ahead of training camp by signing rookie wide receiver Will Sheppard. The 6'2”, 203-pound athlete, who went undrafted, previously signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but failed a physical examination. Sheppard had a standout season at Colorado in 2024, recording 48 receptions for 621 yards and six touchdowns despite inconsistencies in his performance.

His college career began at Vanderbilt, where he amassed 152 receptions, 2,067 yards, and 21 touchdowns over four years. While at Colorado, he was primarily deployed as an outside receiver and showed promise, particularly during a six-game stretch where he scored all his touchdowns. The Packers' receiver roster is becoming increasingly competitive with the addition of Sheppard, complementing other rookies like Matthew Golden and Savion Williams.

Will Sheppard, a former standout wide receiver from the University of Colorado, has signed a rookie contract with the Green Bay Packers after being cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Sheppard recorded notable performances at Colorado's Pro Day, including a 4.54-second 40-yard dash and an impressive 40.5-inch vertical leap. Throughout his single season with the Buffaloes, he accumulated 48 receptions for 621 yards and six touchdowns, showcasing his potential to contribute to the Packers' offense.

Joining a competitive wide receiver roster in Green Bay, Sheppard will have to prove his worth to secure a spot on the final roster. The Packers are known for their strong receiving corps, and Sheppard's athleticism and past production may provide him the opportunity to stand out in training camp.

Will Sheppard, a former standout wide receiver from the University of Colorado, has signed with the Green Bay Packers after recently auditioning with the Denver Broncos. This opportunity comes on the heels of a productive college career, where Sheppard showcased his potential and skills on the field.

His signing with the Packers reflects an ongoing trend of teams looking to bolster their receiving corps with fresh talent. As the offseason progresses, Sheppard's performance in training camp will be closely watched by fantasy football enthusiasts and team strategists alike.

The Denver Broncos recently held mandatory minicamp and evaluated seven players during their tryouts. Among the hopefuls were Wyett Ekeler, a safety from Wyoming and brother of Chargers' Austin Ekeler, Patrick Murtagh, an international tight end, Colorado's Will Sheppard and veteran linebacker Milo Eifler. Despite the Broncos' decision not to sign any of these players at this time, Coach Sean Payton emphasized the importance of evaluating potential signings as the season progresses and injuries may necessitate bringing in new talent.

Payton noted that keeping these players on the radar could be beneficial, particularly as the roster solidifies. The Broncos are continuously assessing their options, and while immediate contracts may not be offered, positives from the tryout could lead to future signings as circumstances change.