As the NFL Draft process rages on, pro days are invading the daily schedule with all 32 teams sending coaches, management, and scouts to various locations across the United States to focus in on their top prospects for the upcoming event in Dallas.
[divider]COMPARE: Nathan Shepherd to any Player | Fort Hayes State to any Team[divider]
As we entered the second week of pro days, Monday's highlight – as far as D2 prospects go – was in Hays, Kansas where former Fort Hays State star Nathan Shepherd was given an opportunity to showcase his skills for roughly 16 teams in attendance.
Take a look at what the pro day for Shepherd means going forward, and which teams were showing the most interest in the potential day two selection at the NFL Draft.
[divider]
On-Field Drills
Shepherd stood on all of his measurements from the NFL Combine, and refused once again to do the bench press event. Per some reports floating around the web, it is due to the fact he is still recovering from the broken finger from Senior Bowl practices. But the former FHSU star has hinted he could do 35 reps if given the chance.
Here's a refresher on his measurements from the Combine:
| Ht | Wt | Hands | Arms | 40-YD | Bench | Vertical | Broad | 3 Cone | 20-YD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-5 | 315 | 10 1/8 | 32 3/8 | 5.09 | DNP | 31.0 | 112.0 | 7.50 | 4.53 |
While there is no evidence through video, the NFL's Gil Brandt has gone on record to say that he was a "good player", and draftanalyst.com states that Shepherd was "terrific" in his drills in front of teams.
[divider]
Teams in Attendance.
Reports have it that 16 teams were in attendance in Hays, with the most prominent being the Bengals who ran the on-field drills and have met with the prospect for dinner as well.
Other teams that were present for the former Simon Fraser player include the Ravens, Falcons, 49ers, and Lions with other unnamed teams at least interested. One team that I can confirm through recent reports are the Chiefs, who should be interested given that Fort Hays is in the MIAA, which has a big base around Kansas City.
[divider]
Draft Stock
Continuing to Rise
Shepherd is a player that many lower-level national draftniks are talking about, and some of the big guys are too such as Mike Mayock and Daniel Jeremiah who has him ranked 50th in his most recent Top 50 Big Board for NFL Media.
But some national media such as Matt Miller of Bleacher Report have him ranked as undrafted, which is frankly a farce. This guy has shown to be one of the top 10, if not top five defensive linemen in the draft and as such should be a day two selection in Dallas.
When the final bells do toll, expect this quick rising D2 superstar to be wearing a jersey regularly on Sundays, and for his name to be called fairly early in the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft.
[divider]
NEXT: NFL DRAFT HIGHLIGHTS: Nathan Shepherd, DT — Fort Hays State
