Jets Draft Nathan Shepherd: Fans React on Twitter

When the New York Jets officially selected defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd with the No. 72 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, fans were confused as to who he was and what college he came from. Here are some of the best fan reactions from Twitter.

Once the pick was in for the New York Jets and the No. 72 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, many believed it would be used on either a pass rusher, offensive linemen, or even a new offensive weapon. Just a day after drafting quarterback Sam Darnold, the Jets decided to bolster their defensive line.

In Round 3 of this year’s draft, the Jets selected defensive tackle Nathan Shepherd out of Fort Hays. In his three-year collegiate career, Shepherd totaled 168 tackles and 10 sacks. As of this point in time, Shepherd is expected to be quality depth on the Jets defensive line.

On Twitter, the majority of Jets fans were confused with this pick by general manager Mike Maccagnan. Many had no idea who Shepherd was or even what his college was known for. Believe it or not, it’s been over three decades since someone from Fort Hays was drafted into the NFL.

Must Read: Grading the Sam Darnold pick in 2018 NFL Draft

For now, Jets fans will take some time to process this third-round pick and if anything, be positive and hopeful that Maccagnan got a steal in this year’s draft. Of course, fans were already sounding off on Twitter once Shepherd’s name was called.

Below are some of the best reactions from Jets fans on Twitter. Take a look at the initial reactions once the Jets pick was in:

Has good size. Will help Leo. Plus Mayock had him at #47. We needed help. Good pick.

— J.B. (@montreal57) April 28, 2018

So this kid is considered to be “raw” and a bit of a project. I’m sorry, but whenever I hear the word raw it reminds me of Stephen Hill and someone who will be cut after a few years.

— Matt Mastrogiovanni (@torrteacher) April 28, 2018

Big dude with a non stop motor who loves football. #nyjets

— John (@BleedgreenJM) April 28, 2018

A lot of people probably don’t know who Nathan Shepherd is but he’s a small school sleeper. I love this pick! #Jets

— Christa (@Chriistaxx3) April 28, 2018

Nathan Shepherd would’ve gotten a first round grade if I could’ve seen him play against some real FBS competition. Huge steal for the #Jets.

— Mad Man Scouting (@MadManScouting) April 28, 2018

If you don't know about @NathanDShepherd's incredible 7-yr post-high school journey from a Toronto suburb, to a Vancouver-area university, to 2 yrs out of football, to @FortHaysState … my feature on him: https://t.co/LEQhwvrIBL #NYJets @nyjets #NFLDraft

— John Kryk (@JohnKryk) April 28, 2018

Love Nathan Shepherd. Sometimes goes so hard he falls down on the way to the pocket. But he's a nasty dude with serious forward momentum.

— Doug Farrar (@BR_DougFarrar) April 28, 2018

What's the matter with the #Jets? They are making good picks in successive rounds. DT Nathan Shepherd is great value here and will get snaps this season – Well done #NFLDraft

— Steven Van Over (@StevenVanOver) April 28, 2018

Nathan Shepherd is one of my favorite dudes in the whole draft. He worked a full work schedule so he could come to America and pay his college tuition and play football. Unreal physical potential….he’s an absolute monster pic.twitter.com/ga21ogu6Nx

— Jack Williams (@actionjack69) April 28, 2018

Basically, if you miss the versatility, strength, and relentlessness that Snacks brought to the #Jets, you'll probably end up liking Nathan Shepherd.

— Dan (@CraymondGreen) April 28, 2018

I really like the Nathan Shepherd pick. A lot of upside.

— LoyalNYJetFans (@loyalnyjetfans) April 28, 2018

The New York Jets just got a BEAST!!!! @fhsuathletics Nathan Shepherd is an absolute MONSTER! I’m geeking out over this ?Welcome to NY SHEP!!

— Gardner Royce (@GardnerCBS6) April 28, 2018

Nathan Shepherd is going from Hays, Kansas to East Rutherford. Congrats Jets fans, you got a total animal, he’s gonna be a star.

— 29 Forever (@SportTalkBrian) April 28, 2018