Height: 6’5”
Weight: 315 lbs.
Age: 22/23
School: Fort Hays State
40-yard dash: 5.09 sec.
Vertical: 31.0”
Broad: 112.0”
Bench: DNP
3-cone: 7.50 sec.
Strengths
Very aggressive defensive tackle with great raw power. Imposing overall frame with long arms. Hands are violent and active. Gets off blocks due to natural ability and physicality. Can spin or torque his body to get himself free and make a play. Good feet. Moves well laterally. Holds his ground against the run. Possesses high-upside tools as a pass rusher. Looks like a scheme-versatile talent with untapped potential.
Weaknesses
Overall technique needs a lot of improvement. Doesn’t have elite instincts or field awareness. Will sometimes stall out if blockers win early. Didn’t dominate lower-level competition like he should have.
NFL Comparisons
Akiem Hicks – Chris Jones – Larry Ogunjobi
Conclusion
Nathan Shepherd is a small-school prospect with all the tools (size, athleticism, physicality) to be a much better in the NFL than he was at Fort Hayes State, but a coaching staff needs to refine his technique to create consistency and unlock the potential that’s there.
First I’ve heard of Fort Hayes State lol
I’ve been looking all over for something on this guy. I like the Hicks comparison.