FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Third-round draft pick Nathan Shepherd, defensive lineman from Fort Hays State University, signed a four-year deal with the New York Jets on Friday (May 18). The contract was reported at $3.4 million. The Ajax, Ontario native enters his rookie season with the Jets in the fall of 2018. Shepherd, the 2017 MIAA Defensive Player of the Year and All-America First Team selection, was the first NCAA Division II player selected in the 2018 NFL Draft.
 
Shepherd was the first NFL Draft pick from Fort Hays State in 31 years, Frankie Neal being the last in 1987. He helped Fort Hays State to its greatest regular season in program history as the team went an undefeated 11-0 in regular season play, all against MIAA opponents. The team made its first NCAA playoff appearance since 1995 and finished at 11-1 overall.
 
Shepherd finished his three-year career at FHSU with 168 tackles, including 27 for loss, and 10 sacks. He was an All-America selection in both 2016 and 2017. As a senior, he earned All-America honors from the AFCA, D2CCA, Don Hansen Football Committee, Associated Press, and D2Football.com.