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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
— The Champaign Room (@Champaign_Room) April 28, 2016
1. Rams: Jihad Ward
2. Eagles: Clayton Fejedelem
3. Chargers: Geronimo Allison
4. Cowboys: Josh Ferguson
5. Jaguars: Ted Karras
Illinois Prospects to Watch
Jihad Ward (DE): 2nd - 3rd round
Josh Ferguson (RB): 5th - 7th round
Clayton Fejedelem (S): 6th - 7th round
Ted Karras (OG): 7th round
Geronimo Allison: 7th round - Undrafted
V'Angelo Bentley: 7th round - Undrafted
NFL Draft Schedule
Round 1: Thursday at 7:00pm CT on ESPN, WatchESPN, and NFL Network
Rounds 2-3: Friday at 6:00pm CT on ESPN, WatchESPN, and NFL Network
Rounds 4-7: Saturday at 11:00am CT on ESPN, WatchESPN, and NFL Network
Other Resources
SB Nation's Live Draft Tracker
Complete list of traded draft picks