2016 NFL Draft: Illinois’ Jihad Ward 2016 Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
Illinois’ Jihad Ward 2016 Scouting Report.
Jihad Ward features a tremendous frame with good bulk and length. He has the type of build that coaches love because it gives them the opportunity to mold him. Ward will also attract coaches because he’s still raw and his best football is yet to come.
He combines his size with natural strength and athleticism which allows him to flash playmaking ability. Ward has shown that he’s capable of shooting the gap to make plays behind the line of scrimmage and work off blocks to bring down the ball carrier away from his frame.
The issue is that he’s too inconsistent and needs to work on improving his technique. Ward tends to play without using his hands which allows the blocker to get into his frame and move him off the line of scrimmage.
This clip shows Ward failing to anchor against the double team and ending up several yards down field:
Due to his length, Ward also needs to work on keeping his pads down on every play. It isn’t easy for someone with his height to maintain leverage. The ability to keep low is key to the success of an interior defensive lineman.
This is why it makes sense for Ward to potentially move outside as a 5-technique in a 3-4 system. Here he’d be able to operate in space a little more, use his athleticism and avoid double teams.
The key to evaluating Ward is to see the potential and how using him differently could be beneficial to his development.
Current Draft Position: Late 3rd Round