:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58991819/usa_today_10672208.0.jpg)
fgWhile free agency begins this week, NFL Draft season is also in full swing.
The Bengals are now traveling the nation to scout NFL hopefuls who could wind up in Cincinnati at some point. That includes a trip to Kansas to meet with a Division II prospect who is getting some serious pre-draft interest from NFL clubs.
According to NFL reporter Tom Pelissero, Fort Hays State defensive lineman Nathan Shepherd had dinner with the Bengals on Sunday, ahead of his Pro Day on Monday.
Fort Hays State DL Nathan Shepherd, who has his pro day tomorrow, will have dinner with #Bengals tonight and already has visits/workouts set up with 11 other teams, source said. Top-50 pick? https://t.co/551BRiyIH9
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 11, 2018
"Wow. I like him."@WillieMcGinest impressed by @NathanDShepherd's pass rush drill performance.
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 4, 2018
: #NFLCombine LIVE on the NFL Network pic.twitter.com/5JNoAuKpgE
While you may have never heard of Fort Hays State, Shepherd’s is a name you need to know this draft season. The 6’5”, 315-pound defensive tackle was at one time a 205-pound linebacker, but he grew exponentially before becoming a force in the Division II ranks.
Last season, Shepherd racked up 38 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. NFL.com has him graded as a Round 4-5 project:
Shepherd is a project, but he could be well worth a team’s time thanks to his NFL-caliber traits and his flashes as a pass rusher. Shepherd lined up inside in college, but may be better suited as a 4i or five-technique in a 3-4 front. While he won’t be ready early on, he has the ability to become a productive NFL defensive lineman with improved strength and better technique
Shepherd was even invited to the NFL Combine, which says a lot since the event saw 326 players invited. It’s hard for Division II prospects to get NFL buzz, but it looks like Shepherd has done just that.
With 11 picks in this year’s draft, the Bengals should be doing their due diligence on all relevant NFL hopefuls. They also could use some more depth on the defensive line, so Shepherd could be a name to watch for in Day 3 of the draft.