Editor’s note: NESN.com will profile intriguing prospects in the days leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft. Next up: Illinois defensive lineman Jihad Ward.
Jihad Ward, defensive lineman, Illinois
6-foot-5, 297 pounds
Projected round: Fourth
2015 stats: 54 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss, two passes defensed, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery
Testing numbers: 5.09-second 40-yard dash, 1.76-second 10-yard split, 28-inch vertical jump, 9-foot, 3-inch broad jump, 4.63-second short shuttle, 7.38-second three-cone drill, 22 bench-press reps at 225 pounds
Strengths: Ward has ideal size for a five-technique defensive end or three-technique defensive tackle in the NFL. He had 26 total pressures as a senior at Illinois, according to Pro Football Focus. He also had a 7.2 run stop percentage, which was 19th in the NCAA, according to Pro Football Focus.
Weaknesses: Ward “could use nasty glass-eater mentality at point of attack,” according to NFL.com. Ward played safety and wide receiver in high school before moving to the defensive line. He played two years at a junior college, then transferred to Illinois, so he still has some raw upside.
Patriots fit: The Patriots need size and length on their interior defensive line, especially after they released Dominique Easley, and Ward fits their standards in the 40-yard dash, 10-yard split, vertical leap, broad jump, three-cone and short shuttle.
Thumbnail photo via Brian Spurlock/USA TODAY Sports Images
