Reviewing the Oakland Raiders 2016 NFL Draft

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Nov 22, 2014; Champaign, IL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Bell Belton (1) is tackled by Illinois Fighitng Illini defensive end Jihad Ward (17) at Memorial Stadium. Illinois beat Penn State 16 to 14. Mandatory Credit: Mike Granse-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 2, Pick 44: Jihad Ward, DL, Illinois

The Raiders stayed on defense for their second pick of the draft, taking Illini defensive lineman Jihad Ward. Ward is a very raw prospect with an incredibly high ceiling, the type of developmental prospect that teams can take a chance on in the second round, and could supplant last years’ number two pick Mario Edwards Jr. in the Raiders defensive line rotation, as Edwards’ injury issues continue.

Ward is not without injury issues of his own, and may need knee surgery in the near future, which may hinder his development coming into 2016. But at his healthy best, Ward is an impressive athlete who can play like a traditional rush defensive end but with the size and power of 5-technique end or even a 3-technique tackle. At worst, he’s a tough matchup to send in on a rotational basis or in sub packages for the next few seasons. At best, he could develop into an Pro Bowl caliber defensive lineman on a team loaded with talent on the defensive front.

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