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Draft Prospect: Dion Jordan

Posted on 1/14/13 at 9:47 am
Posted by blueslover
deeper than deep south
Member since Sep 2007
22792 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 9:47 am
Here's another guy that very likely might be on the board at #15. Could he be the BPA there? Could he be the missing pass rushing playmaker we have dreamed of? Let's review some scouting reports and discuss him...


A very raw, long, and lean prospect, defensive end Dion Jordan is one of the leaders on the Oregon Ducks. Given his tremendous frame, the sky is the limit as long as he can continue to add bulk as his career progress in the NFL.
Jordan is a very good athlete with a good first step and burst. Still requires coaching up in his technique. Relies on long arms to push away defenders. He needs to add strength in his upper and lower body. Projects as 3-4 OLB.

Plays at his best against the run when in pursuit. Not built to handle powerful blockers head-on. His quick first step works best when it gets him into favorable position early. Not particularly aggressive and will sometimes fail to seal the edge contain. He has experience playing as a defensive end. Jordan is very tough and committed. No questioning his motor or hustle. In a few years, he may be able to play 4-3 DE, but must add weight and more power to his game.
Jordan projects as a mid-first round prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft.


Height: 6-7 | Weight: 243 | 40-Time: 4.65
Strengths:
• Large frame with long arms and growth potential
• Smooth and fluid with fantastic natural athleticism
• Excellent speed, quickness and agility with a burst
• Able to effectively bend off of edge and run the arc
• Varied repertoire of pass rush moves and counters
• Active with superb range and is fantastic in pursuit
• Reliable tackler who is capable of delivering a jolt
• Uses hands well to take on and then shed blockers
• Durable with surprising toughness and great motor
• Will offer both positional and schematic versatility

Weaknesses:
• Is not overly powerful and will have to get stronger
• Thin lower body and will have to add weight / bulk
• Tendency to get tall which leads to leverage issues
• Struggles to anchor and not real stout against run
• Ability to routinely match up in coverage a concern
• Instincts and overall awareness are questionable
• 'Tweener who may lack a true position in the pros

Injury History:
• Suffered severe burns in a freak high school accident
• Missed some action with right shoulder injury in 2012
• Surgery to repair torn labrum following 2012 season

Notes:
A two-year starter for the Ducks --- Could project to either defensive end (4-3) or outside linebacker (3-4) at the next level --- Named 1st Team All-Pac-12 in 2011 and 2012 --- Began college career as a wide receiver before moving to tight end in 2009 then eventually defensive end in 2010 --- Spent a month in the burn unit as a high school senior after suffering second and third degree burns while trying to siphon gasoline with a vacuum cleaner --- Was utilized in a variety of different positions / roles at Oregon and has experience lining up all over the field --- Classic hybrid pass rusher with a tantalizing blend of physical tools and intangibles who hasn't yet maximized considerable potential.


At rush linebacker, they don’t get any better than Jordan in terms of size and athleticism. He lacks the functional strength needed to be a top pick but teams may overlook that with his blend of height and athleticism. Jordan’s speed off the edge is rare and I’m not sure that there is anyone in this draft that brings what he does in terms of speed and athleticism off the edge.
Dion Jordan was a WR in high school and it shows with his speed and overall athleticism. He’s a rare athlete that is very raw in a lot of aspects. I think he’s going to be best served by being drafted to a 3-4 team as a standup linebacker. He showed solid coverage skills this season and could excel at the next level in coverage. Whoever takes Jordan has to take him knowing that it’s a shear upside pick and there is growth needed. That said, the upside may be worth the risk. I’m not sure there’s anyone in the NFL that brings the similar athletic abilities at his size. He’s cut in the mold of Aldon Smith but isn’t as complete a player as Smith was coming out of Missouri.


Active/violent hand usage stands out. Motor is constantly running. Athletic enough to the point where he plays press man at times for the Ducks. Better hip flexibility than I’d expect for a guy of his size, but it is still an issue at times.
Possesses high level speed and athleticism, with plus burst and closing ability. Slightly weak upper body hurts at the point of attack, making Jordan a below average inline run defender. Shows huge promise getting to the quarterback. Not a pure speed rusher, but, hand use is excellent, with a notable proficiency for keeping opponents off his chest (uses his hands as aggressively as anyone in the PAC 12). Tries a wide array of rush moves (rip, club, swim, spin), most of which are, at least at times, effective – could be just scratching the surface of his rush potential. Can break down in space, though appears a bit stiff moving laterally, or when occasionally in coverage; still, displays enough cover ability for 3-4 OLB. As a highly versatile defender, capable of assuming multiple positions and hybrid roles, could be a highly sought after player come April.


Sounds like the classic question of whether he could fit in a 4-3 scheme. With the premium on these pass rushers escalating every year we're seeing that question matter less. Teams are going for the talent and getting them to work regardless of scheme. Jordan seems to consistently be ranked higher than Ansah. Mostly he seems even more game ready and less development needed. I could see a 3-4 team nabbing him before #15. If available and they picked him I would be excited. Think Jimmy Graham bust out to the upside potential that is even more ready for the NFL.
Posted by goatmilker
Castle Anthrax
Member since Feb 2009
64208 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 9:53 am to
Looks great.


For a 3-4

Sounds like Tez to me. If we were deep on DL and needed another 3rd down pass rusher i could see it. But 1st and 2nd down in a 4-3 they run right at him.
This post was edited on 1/14/13 at 9:56 am
Posted by Brettesaurus Rex
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2009
38259 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 9:58 am to
I would be alright with this pick, especially if TE rest of the top tier pass rushers are gone. Reminds me a lot of Mingo honestly.

quote:

But 1st and 2nd down in a 4-3 they run right at him.

Oh they def would. But I highly doubt he'd be in there often in those situations
This post was edited on 1/14/13 at 10:01 am
Posted by Hugo Stiglitz
Member since Oct 2010
72937 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 10:00 am to
I saw a mock draft projecting him to go to the Saints in the first.

LINK

Seems like we could do better in that slot IMO.

This post was edited on 1/14/13 at 10:02 am
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
166136 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 10:01 am to
what the frick does he have going on with his leg?
Posted by 3HourTour
A whiskey barrel
Member since Mar 2006
21223 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 10:05 am to
It's the Jordan and Jordan show!!
Posted by sicboy
Because Awesome
Member since Nov 2010
77566 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 10:06 am to
nvm
This post was edited on 1/14/13 at 10:07 am
Posted by Spelt it rong
Louisiana
Member since Oct 2012
10002 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 10:06 am to
Typical knicks and bruises. Congrats on 58000 posts I guess...

ETA: Sicboy, I can't read either apparently
This post was edited on 1/14/13 at 10:07 am
Posted by Mouth
Member since Jan 2008
20956 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 10:06 am to
quote:

Height: 6-7 | Weight: 243 | 40-Time: 4.65


shouldn't he be faster than this?
Posted by Chad504boy
4 posts
Member since Feb 2005
166136 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 10:08 am to
quote:



shouldn't he be faster than this?



quickness > straight line speed for DE. So how's his shuttle time?
Posted by sicboy
Because Awesome
Member since Nov 2010
77566 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 10:10 am to
For some reason when I first read it, I saw "severe burns to the knees". No joke. I guess that could still be it, though.
Posted by blueslover
deeper than deep south
Member since Sep 2007
22792 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 10:21 am to
Story when the burn incident happened

follow up story
Jordan staggered outside, skin on his arms and legs burned to a crisp, hair singed, his body in shock.
He was airlifted to a hospital, third-degree burns covering 40 percent of his body...
Not only is Jordan 6-7, his arms are so long he can almost touch a basketball rim without leaving his feet. He looks too spindly to be a defensive end.
“Don’t let the skinniness fool you,” linebacker Michael Clay says. “He is a strong guy. It’s hard to get into him because he has a seven-foot wingspan. When he was a tight end, I remember one play, he put me down. That was the strongest punch ever.”
Even more than size, athleticism and strength, effort sets Jordan apart.
Aliotti isn’t sure he’s ever seen take him take a play off, even in practice There is no quality UO defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro prizes more.
“All that other stuff, you can teach,” Azzinaro says. “It’s hard to teach guys to play hard.”
Posted by Fun Bunch
New Orleans
Member since May 2008
115500 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 10:42 am to
The trend now is towards using lots of hybrid players in both systems. Look at Seattle...they have a few 3-4 type players they use in their 4-3.

Lots of hybrid Defenses too.

And we know that Spags would like some angular, quick guys at Defensive End.

Regardless, I think he will measure out and be picked earlier.
Posted by goatmilker
Castle Anthrax
Member since Feb 2009
64208 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 10:45 am to
Sounds like the type of guy that will shread it at the combine and really improve his stock.
Posted by Hazelnut
Member since May 2011
16431 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 11:07 am to
quote:

The 17-year-old senior suffered the wounds while using a vacuum cleaner to siphon gas from a car Saturday at a friend’s house in the 1100 block of West Gary Court in Chandler.

What a dumbass
Posted by PPeterson1
Choklahoma
Member since Jul 2010
2011 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 12:47 pm to
Using a vacuum cleaner to siphon gas wasn't very smart. Fuel(Gasoline Vapor) + Vacuum(Ignition source) + Oxygen = Fire.
Posted by sicboy
Because Awesome
Member since Nov 2010
77566 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 12:51 pm to
I'm sure Dion knows this. He's in the future also.
Posted by geauxtigers87
Louisiana
Member since Mar 2011
25185 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 4:04 pm to
wouldn't using a vacuum to suck gas out a car bring in serious character concerns? If you're gonna pay a guy millions, i don't know if that flies with this org this high.
Posted by Hazelnut
Member since May 2011
16431 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 4:49 pm to
I mean he was 17 years old. It was really really dumb but it was also about 4 years ago.
Posted by philly444
stuck in contraflow
Member since Nov 2008
11346 posts
Posted on 1/14/13 at 4:50 pm to
Sounds like a high risk high reward player. I would LOVE if we could draft Sheldon Richardson from Mizzou with our 15th pick.
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