Jihad Ward

Ward overcame a knee injury during fall camp to become a mainstay on the rock-solid Illini defensive in 2015, playing significant snaps at both end and tackle. He finished the season with 54 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks, while also adding two pass breakups, two quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery to earn honorable mention All-Big Ten honors from both the coaches and the media. Ward transferred to Illinois in 2014 after playing two years at Global Institute of Technology in New York, where he became one of the top-rated JUCO recruits. It wasn't until junior college when Ward made the switch to the defensive line after playing wide receiver and safety in high school. While still understandably raw, it is the athletic upside and schematic versatility Ward possesses which could earn him top 100 consideration in the 2016 draft.

possesses the length and strength necessary to set the edge and keep contain in run defense. shows good effort in pursuit to the flanks and even downfield. turned heads at the senior bowl. has only played on the defensive line the past four years and may be just scratching the surface of his potential.

WEAKNESSES

strengths

Looks the part of an NFL defensive lineman with broad shoulders, a tapered, athletic midsection and long, thick limbs, including 33 5/8-inch arms. Experienced playing inside and out, offering terrific position and schematic versatility. Possesses above average athleticism for a man of his size, including impressive initial quickness, agility and closing speed.

ward's frame may be better suited for playing inside, but he had plenty of success working at right defensive end during senior bowl practices. he has been somewhat overshadowed in a deep defensive line class, but has plenty of talent to make an impact at the next level.

--Rob Rang (2/10/16)

relies on his quickness to split gaps or his strength to lockout, but shows very little technique to his game at this point, including little coordination of his hands to break free once blockers have latched on, awareness of cut blocks coming his way or screens developing around him.

IN OUR VIEW

will be drafted based more on upside than production to this point. bit of a 'tweener, raising questions about whether he's a better fit inside or outside and in what scheme he will be most effective.

May lack the grit to handle playing defensive tackle and, while surprisingly quick off the ball, Ward isn't a true threat off the edge as a pass rusher, recording just 4.5 total sacks in 25 career starts for the Illini. Doesn't use his length to his advantage often enough, batting down just three passes during this span, as well.

Also played wide receiver in high school

Played in Philadelphia Eagles Public vs. Non-Public City All-Star game at Lincoln Financial Field in spring 2012

First-team All-City in 2011 and second-team All-City in 2010.

First name pronounced juh-HODD

Born March 11, 1994

Son of Kareema Ward

Has two brothers and two sisters

Says his favorite athlete is NFL star Julius Peppers

Lists his high school coaches as the biggest influences on his athletic career

Majoring in sport management.