UConn defensive lineman Foley Fatukasi was selected in the sixth round of the NFL draft on Saturday.

Fatukasi was taken by the New York Jets with the 180th selection.

Fatukasi, who had 170 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 14 sacks for the Huskies, becomes the 27th UConn player to be drafted since 2005, including the 17th defensive player.

It is the 12th time in the last 14 years that at least one Husky was selected in the draft.

"It was always my goal to play in the NFL," Fatukasi said. "I believe it's everyone's goal to do so and it was always something I had in the back of my head. It was always something I worked toward. It was always something I prayed for and to have this moment right here, I can't even believe it that it's right here."

The Jets also took Nathan Shepherd, a defensive lineman out of Fort Hays State in the third round as the Jets continue to revamp the defensive line. Former first round picks Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson are among the defensive linemen no longer with the Jets.

The 6-foot-4, 318-pound Fatukasi has been on the radar of NFL teams since his sophomore season when he had 7.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss, but his stock improved after a strong week of practice at the East-West Shrine Game.

He had six tackles in the Jan. 20 all-star game held in St. Petersburg, Florida. Then at the NFL combine, he had 33 reps at 225 pounds in the bench press, a 30-inch vertical and broad jump of 9 feet, 4 inches.

• It was also reported Saturday night that linebacker Junior Joseph will sign a free agent deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.