Athletic defensive lineman Jihad Ward an intriguing option for Steelers

[stillers4me]

Jihad Ward, a former wide receiver turned defensive lineman from Illinois, already has been under the watchful eye, not to mention a verbal prodding, of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.

With Tomlin watching him go through drills on the field at the Senior Bowl, Ward said Tomlin was in his ear, saying “Let’s go 17,” pushing him to do even better.


“He was so pumped up, I guess,” said Ward, who wore No. 17 at Illinois. “He loves defensive linemen. It was a blessing to see him. He was excited to see us hitting the bag and getting off the ball. It was a good moment.”..........

Read more @ http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2016/02/27/Athletic-defensive-lineman-Jihad-Ward-an-intriguing-option-for-Steelers-Illinois-Fighting-Illini/stories/201602270044

[Cyphon25]

We will definitely be adding depth there so he could be the guy deeper in the draft. This may actually be the year we go DB in the first again. Seems like it is potentially lining up that way for us.

[katmandu]

This may actually be the year we go DB in the first again. Seems like it is potentially lining up that way for us.I've learned not to get my hopes up concerning the Draft.

No matter how we all slice and dice it, Colbert and Tomlin always do something completely unexpected.

Every single year without fail.

[Drazo85]

I've learned not to get my hopes up concerning the Draft.

No matter how we all slice and dice it, Colbert and Tomlin always do something completely unexpected.

Every single year without fail.

Except when they drafted Jarvis Jones...

[fansince'76]

Who names their kid "Jihad?" :chuckle:

[Psycho Ward 86]

Who names their kid "Jihad?" :chuckle:

Better question: I wonder how tired he is of answering this question about a name his parents gave him :lol:

[steelreserve]

I've learned not to get my hopes up concerning the Draft.

No matter how we all slice and dice it, Colbert and Tomlin always do something completely unexpected.

Every single year without fail.


This is not rocket science. I expect them to draft a linebacker every year, unless there is something so obvious that it's the equivalent of someone holding a gun to their head while shouting at them through a megaphone 3 inches from their face. So far, they have rarely disappointed.

[GBMelBlount]

Quiet, humble and religious, Ward is surprised at the attention. :hmm:



If he plays for the Steelers I don't care what religion he is as long as he explodes through opposing lines instead of just standing there and self destructing...:uhoh:

[hawaiiansteeler]

Jihad needs to spend some time in the weight room with Deebo, he only did 20 reps in the bench press today...

[lipps83]

Jihad needs to spend some time in the weight room with Deebo, he only did 20 reps in the bench press today...

That would be pretty good........for a wide receiver.

[Psycho Ward 86]

If he plays for the Steelers I don't care what religion he is as long as he explodes through opposing lines instead of just standing there and self destructing...:uhoh:

yikes

[fansince'76]

Jihad needs to spend some time in the weight room with Deebo, he only did 20 reps in the bench press today...

Just what we need - a Jarvis Jones for the DL. May as well just keep "Dirty Dick" around...

[GBMelBlount]

Just what we need - a Jarvis Jones for the DL. May as well just keep "Dirty Dick" around...

If I am not mistaken Jones was weak AND slow at the combine. A very desirable combination....for opposing teams.

There are so many good defensive lineman in this draft I would be doubly pissed if we we drafted another Jones for the DL.

This could be one of the last drafts that has an opportunity to seriously contribute during Ben's tenure.

[hawaiiansteeler]

That would be pretty good........for a wide receiver.

Oklahoma wide receiver Sterling Shepard (who is 5-foot-10, 194 pounds, about 100 lbs lighter than Jihad Ward) also put up 20 bench presses.

[SteelerFanInStl]

Jihad needs to spend some time in the weight room with Deebo, he only did 20 reps in the bench press today...

I have no use for a DL who can only put up 20 reps.