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Illinois Football 2016 NFL Draft Preview: Jihad Ward is poised to be the program's first selection since 2013

Related Topics: 2016 NFL draft, Jihad, Illinois

The 2016 NFL Draft has finally arrived and, while Illinois likely won't have any first round selections on Thursday night, the program will produce their first picks since 2013. Led by defensive lineman Jihad Ward (who may go as early as the second round), there are six members of the Fighting Illini who have legitimate shots at hearing their name called.

Myself and a few other writers will be hanging out in the comments throughout the evening to discuss the inevitable first round drama. Feel free to join us! One last thing -- here is the official TCR projection for the first five picks:

MOCK DRAFT

1.