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Deadlines drive everything in the NFL. If there is not a deadline, do not expect anything to really get done. That seems to be the case in the negotiations between the Miami Dolphins and third overall pick Dion Jordan. Of the team's nine draft picks from back in April, only Jordan remains unsigned. But, the defensive end seems to think things will be settled before training camp...tomorrow.
That's right, the Dolphins report to training camp tomorrow, and Jordan expects to report on time.
"It's not finalized yet, but I'll be there," Jordan told The Miami Herald on Friday. If he is not signed before camp starts, he will be the third straight first round pick for the Dolphins to hold out at the start of training camp. Last year, quarterback Ryan Tannehill missed the first couple of days before getting his deal done and reporting to camp. He still became the first quarterback in team history to start all 16 games his rookie year.
Jordan has not been able to workout with the Dolphins, except for during the team's rookie minicamp, due to NFL rules preventing a player from participating in offseason program events until their current academic term ends. Oregon, Jordan's alma mater, is on a quarters system and did not finish the spring term until mid-June.
However, it is unlikely Jordan would have been able to participate in the workouts even if he were present for them. He is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
According to the Miami Herald report, Jordan has spent the last couple of months in Miami, working out with other Dolphins players. He does realize he has work to do to prove himself to the coaches.
"A lot," he replied when asked how much ground he needs to make up. "But I'm not the only person who feels like he has a lot to do coming into the season. I've got to put the work in, regardless."
Miami veterans and rookies report to training camp tomorrow, with the first practice on Sunday.