Deion Sanders Confident Will Sheppard Can Rebound From Failed NFL Physical

The failed physical came as a surprise because Sheppard was seemingly healthy during Colorado's “We Ain’t Hard 2 Find Showcase” on April 4. He recorded a 4.54-second time in the 40-yard dash while leaping 40.5 inches in the vertical and 10 feet, 11 inches in the broad jump. His impressive vertical was even greater than 34 of the 36 receivers who competed at the NFL scouting combine in February.

Regardless, Sheppard went undrafted and now must get healthy quickly to earn another shot in the NFL.

“This kid can play this game,” Deion Sanders told reporters at CU's pro day. “I talked to a lot of the scouts earlier about how fond I am of his game and his consistency thereof. He’s a big-time receiver. A 50-50 ball, he’s going to get that more times than not. And I just love his character and what he brings to the table, what he brings to the practice field, day in and day out. He’s a tremendous asset.”

The 6-foot-3, 197-pound Sheppard is also eager to prove that he can be more than a jump-ball wide receiver in the NFL.

“I think just going out, showing I’m more than (a red zone threat) to these scouts when running these routes,” Sheppard said. “I can do it all. I’m big. I’m more than just a possession, go up and get it kind of receiver. I can run routes, run after the catch. I can do everything, play inside, play outside.”

Colorado's three other starting wide receivers from last season were each selected in the NFL Draft: Travis Hunter (Jacksonville Jaguars), Jimmy Horn Jr. (Carolina Panthers) and LaJohntay Wester (Baltimore Ravens). Meanwhile, safeties Shilo Sanders (Buccaneers) and Cam'Ron Silmon-Craig (Jaguars) and defensive end BJ Green II (Jaguars) each landed an undrafted free agent contract.

As "Coach Prime" told Samuel, it's likely won't be long before Sheppard gets another NFL opportunity.