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Illinois Football: 5 Players Drafted in the 2016 NFL Draft

By Rees Woodcock

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Dec 26, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive lineman Jihad Ward (17) rushes the passer in the game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the Heart of Dallas Bowl at Cotton Bowl Stadium. Louisiana Tech beat Illinois 35-18. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois football has had a history of putting defensive linemen into the NFL.  Ward will be the next in line.

Ward came into the Illinois football program via the JUCO circuit.  He was a 4-star recruit according to 247sports.com.  He was the 6th best junior college player in the nation as well.

Since Ward was a JUCO he has only had one year with the program but that one year was pretty solid.

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In 2014 Ward managed to accumulate 51 total tackles and 3 total sacks.  He also racked up 2 forced fumbles and recovered 4 fumbles.

Ward had a solid junior season with the Illini and I think he will have an even better senior season.  He has to show NFL scouts that he can be an effective defensive lineman at the next level.  He will have to have a good number of sacks this season as well.

Look for Ward to be drafted maybe not as a primary defensive lineman, but as a solid backup for some good defensive team.

Ward will be selected somewhere between the 5th and the 7th round in 2016.

Ward will be drafted in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Next: LB Mason Monheim

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