:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/16689769/134585228.0.jpg)
We are currently making our way through the Miami Dolphins' 90-man offseason roster, breaking down last season for each player, as well as what could happen this year. Today, we continue today with a look at defensive end Dion Jordan.
Previous Roster Breakdowns: Jonathan Freeny Jordan Kovacs
(Photo courtesy Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports)
Previous Roster Breakdowns: Chad Bumphis Marcus Thigpen Aaron Corp Jelani Jenkins Jonathan Martin Tristan Okpalaugo Reshad Jones Jeff Adams John Denney Philip Wheeler Cameron Wake Marvin McNutt Dallas Thomas
2012 Review:
Dion Jordan
| 2012 Stats* | |
| Games | 12 |
| Starts | 12 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
| Forced Fumbles | 3 |
| Recoveries | 0 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Sacks | 5.0 |
| Tackles | 44 |
*With Oregon
Jordan's selection with the third overall pick was the surprise of the round. Not because Jordan was selected with the pick, but because the Dolphins jumped up to grab the defensive end, when everyone expected them to select tackle Lane Johnson.
Jordan has only been playing defense for three years, having gone to Oregon as a tight end. A lot of people point to his 5.0 sacks this season as a sign that Jordan should not have been the Dolphins' pick, but that fails to actually see how the Ducks used Jordan. Throughout his 2012 campaign, Jordan lined up as a defensive end, a linebacker, a cornerback, and a running back (the picture of him carrying the ball above is from the Fiesta Bowl, where the team ran Jordan on a two-point conversion). Jordan did not get more sacks as a defensive end because the Ducks used his athleticism in coverage more than a typical defensive end would be used.
After the combine, where Jordan showed his natural athleticism (read: freak of nature), he had to have shoulder surgery that limited him during the Dolphins' rookie minicamp, and now has him placed on the Non-Football Injury list at the start of training camp.
Draft Measureables:
Ht: 6'6"
Wt: 248 pounds
40-yard dash: 4.54 seconds
Shuttle: 4.35 seconds
3-cone drill: 7.02 second
225-pound bench: --- (Shoulder injury, did not complete)
Vertical: 32.5"
Broad jump: 10' 2"
Hands: 10"
Arm length: 33.875"
Why he could improve in 2013:
As a rookie, Jordan will likely not be thrust into a starting role, being asked to get after quarterbacks every play. Instead, the Dolphins will pick and choose how he is used, and let him have some time to develop. He needs to add muscle to his frame, and can work with Cameron Wake on pass rushing techniques, all of which will help him in the future.
Why he could regress in 2013:
Jordan's shoulder at this point is really the only concern in terms of potentially causing a regression. While the strength and the refinement as a pass rusher could cause him to stumble, it's really just the shoulder that could be a big problem. While he has signed his contract and can now attend all team meetings throughout training camp, he won't be able to actually practice with the team until it is cleared.
Having to work to rehab the shoulder will also slow down his ability to add the strength he will need at the NFL level.
Odds he will make the 53-man roster:
The only way Jordan is not on the active roster every game day this year is if the shoulder does not cooperate. He's expecetd to be cleared sometime after the Hall of Fame Game this year, meaning he could still see action in three or four preseason games, getting him ready for the season. Being placed on the NFI list really does not do much to his prospects for the season at this point, as the team can take him off of it at any time before the final 53-man roster cuts. If he is on it after that, however, he will have to miss the first six weeks of the season.
Realistically, Jordan should be fighting for as much playing time as he can get this year. He most likely will not start the season as the number one right defensive end, but he could end up there by the end of the year.