NFL Draft 2018: Detroit Lions seven-round mock draft 2.0

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: A detailed view of the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 27: A detailed view of the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art on April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /
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ALLEN PARK, MI – FEBRUARY 07: Matt Patricia speaks at a press conference after being hired as the head coach of the Detroit Lions at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ALLEN PARK, MI – FEBRUARY 07: Matt Patricia speaks at a press conference after being hired as the head coach of the Detroit Lions at the Detroit Lions Practice Facility on February 7, 2018 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Round 3

Nathan Shepherd is an intrigue prospect for those looking for a big athletic body to put along the defensive line. At 6’5″ and 315 pounds, Shepherd would be a mountain of a man playing the three-technique but his athletic abilities would allow him to be utilized as a five-tech as well.

Versatility has been the name of the game with Bob Quinn and that will only continue on defense under Matt Patricia. Shepherd is the kind of player who, if he develops, could give Patricia a number of intriguing options with his defensive front.

But there is that whole “if he develops” question. Shepherd faces the obvious obstacle of making a bigger jump than most prospects because he’s coming from the Division II level. He played collegiately in Canada before transferring to Fort Hays State.

The path he’s been on has also led to him being older than the typical 2018 NFL Draft prospect. Shepherd took a couple years off after playing one season in Canada before finishing his three years of eligibility at Fort Hayes State. Still raw, will the NFL be interested in taking on an older prospect who will need another year or two before he may be ready to contribute at a high level?

His football desire can’t be questioned considering the two years he spent away from football was to work and save enough to get back to school to continue playing. He had to pay his own way in Canada and for one season as a walk on at Fort Hayes State before earning a scholarship.