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#15 Pick Dion Jordan Oregon

Posted on 2/6/13 at 9:37 am
Posted by blueslover
deeper than deep south
Member since Sep 2007
22792 posts
Posted on 2/6/13 at 9:37 am
Focused coverage on perhaps the best hope for #15-

Pros: Dion Jordan possesses a rare blend of size and athleticism. At 6-feet-7-inches tall, Jordan moves like a safety. He has fluid hips in coverage and excellent explosion off the line of scrimmage. Oregon frequently called upon Jordan to cover tight ends and slot wide receivers one on one. Jordan's quickness and straight line speed will allow him to matchup with the athletic tight ends NFL teams are utilizing.
As a pass rusher, Jordan has plenty of room to grow, but few players in this class rush the edge like he does. Jordan gets incredible bend around the edge, showing the flexibility to maintain his speed and get after the quarterback. Jordan also has tremendous length for a pass rusher, which he combines with an explosive first step off the line off scrimmage to consistently beat tackles. Jordan also has great closing speed both when getting after the quarterback and chasing down ball carriers in the open field.
The biggest pros to Jordan's game are his upside and his versatility. This is just Jordan's third season playing defensive end after coming to Oregon as a tight end. He can stand up and play in space as a rush linebacker, but he also has the frame to add some weight and become a dominant 4-3 end. The possibilities are plenty if a creative defensive coordinator gets his hands on Jordan.
Cons: While Jordan is an explosive athlete, he needs to become a more physical player to reach his full potential. He often gets completely washed out in the running games. On occasion, Jordan has allowed himself to be blocked by wide receivers far too easily. As a tackler, Jordan has a ways to go. He can lay the wood on ball carriers, but too often takes sloppy angles or fails to wrap up. A disappointing number of tackles slipped through his arms this season.
As a pass rusher, Jordan needs to be stronger. His speed moves are on an elite level, but he needs to be able to out muscle opposing linemen to get to the quarterback. I would love to see Jordan develop a wider array of pass rush moves if he plans on playing down in a 4-3 consistently. While he was constantly trying different moves, Jordan needs to continue to develop his pass rush moves at the next level. His hand use is also inconsistent, as he lets guys into his chest too often.
Conclusion: Jordan is such a rare prospect. He has so much ability, and the only challenge for his NFL team will be finding a way to utilize all of it on the field. Jordan's upside is that of a difference making franchise player on defense. He has the athletic upside to warrant a top ten selection.
Comparison: Aldon Smith, San Francisco 49ers - Jordan isn't quite as physical or refined a prospect as Smith was coming out, but the combination of size and athleticism along with the versatility makes this a decent comparison.
LINK
Previous scouting reports
This post was edited on 2/6/13 at 11:33 am
Posted by The Future
Smallville, KS
Member since Oct 2009
22661 posts
Posted on 2/6/13 at 9:40 am to
Would fap, out of lotion from LSU signing day
Posted by Suntiger
BR or somewhere else
Member since Feb 2007
32880 posts
Posted on 2/6/13 at 10:12 am to
I think Mingo and Jordan will put up big numbers at the combine and I'm not sure either will fall to us. I'd like to get one of them though.
Posted by Midget Death Squad
Meme Magic
Member since Oct 2008
24494 posts
Posted on 2/6/13 at 10:18 am to
So basically he is a coverage LB with adequate pass rushing skills, poor run defending skills and a terrible tackler. Is this really what we want? Correct me if I read this wrong. If I didn't, then I say pass pass pas on this guy.
Posted by geauxtigers87
Louisiana
Member since Mar 2011
25184 posts
Posted on 2/6/13 at 10:51 am to
quote:

Would fap, out of lotion from LSU signing day


this
Posted by blueslover
deeper than deep south
Member since Sep 2007
22792 posts
Posted on 2/6/13 at 11:02 am to
quote:

So basically he is a coverage LB with adequate pass rushing skills,

no, he is one of the elite pass rushers this year. from that report-

few players in this class rush the edge like he does. Jordan gets incredible bend around the edge, showing the flexibility to maintain his speed and get after the quarterback. Jordan also has tremendous length for a pass rusher, which he combines with an explosive first step off the line off scrimmage to consistently beat tackles. Jordan also has great closing speed both when getting after the quarterback and chasing down ball carriers in the open field.

quotes from some of the past scouting reports in the link-

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.

Jordan has outstanding athleticism and long limbs that he uses well. He is not a natural pass rusher just yet, but he has the foot quickness, flexibility to bend his knees, and a burst to get to the quarterback once he gets around the offensive tackle’s block. He is still a bit raw with his pass rush moves and needs to upgrade in that area and not rely on just the speed rush all of the time.

What coaches and general managers want at the top of round one is upside, versatility, and the ability to contribute early on. Dion Jordan has all three. A freakish athlete with his ability to play low despite his height. Technically sound with good arm/hand use. Very fast, very fluid in space. Jordan spent a lot of time rushing the edge, out wide in coverage against wide receivers, and filling lanes against the run. He has the frame for more weight, and he will fit in to any scheme

If any don't know yet he was recruited as a TE and didn't switch to defense until 2010. That shows tremendous athletic ability to me. Could be a tantalizing occasional offensive player for jump balls...
6'7" Jimmy Graham on one side, 6'6" Jordan on the other


This post was edited on 2/6/13 at 11:15 am
Posted by Midget Death Squad
Meme Magic
Member since Oct 2008
24494 posts
Posted on 2/6/13 at 11:58 am to
Ok, that sounds a bit more promising. I misread the "As a pass rusher, Jordan has plenty of room to grow, but few players in this class rush the edge like he does" statement as saying he is ok and that there's not much of a pass rushing class this year.

I still am concerned with the lack of tackling and run support, but a pure pass rushing OLB in a 3-4 can be these things. His coverage skills will make him very valuable in the zone blitz scheme, if that is the scheme we wind up using
Posted by blueslover
deeper than deep south
Member since Sep 2007
22792 posts
Posted on 2/6/13 at 12:08 pm to
I posted somewhere else that besides his pass rushing ability the coverage thing might be key. NFL teams are scurrying to find a way to match up with the athletic big TEs like Graham & Gronk. At 6'6" Jordan might be the prototypical answer to these matchups

Nice wingspan


Unfortunately I think we'll only see his stock rise at the Combine. He could end up going before Jarvis Jones or Mingo.
Posted by afatgreekcat
Atlanta, GA
Member since Jan 2013
2828 posts
Posted on 2/6/13 at 12:10 pm to
quote:

I think Mingo and Jordan will put up big numbers at the combine and I'm not sure either will fall to us. I'd like to get one of them though.


This is how I feel. I'm reserving judgement until post-combine.

People know they're both very athletic, but I'm not sure they know exactly how athletic. It's gonna cause a few guys to jump the gun and pull the trigger on them early.
Posted by FootballNostradamus
Member since Nov 2009
20509 posts
Posted on 2/6/13 at 12:25 pm to
quote:

So basically he is a coverage LB with adequate pass rushing skills, poor run defending skills and a terrible tackler. Is this really what we want? Correct me if I read this wrong. If I didn't, then I say pass pass pas on this guy.


He's got JPP potential.
Posted by blueslover
deeper than deep south
Member since Sep 2007
22792 posts
Posted on 2/6/13 at 12:42 pm to
quote:

He's got JPP potential.


maybe degree but not so much style. I'm not seeing him nearly as attractive as a down lineman. Werner and Ansah would be in that vein.

Jordan more like Aldon Smith or Bruce Irvin
Posted by adono
River Ridge
Member since Sep 2003
7307 posts
Posted on 2/6/13 at 8:35 pm to
quote:

Could be a tantalizing occasional offensive player for jump balls... 6'7" Jimmy Graham on one side, 6'6" Jordan on the other


Now that's an interesting proposition.

Posted by blueslover
deeper than deep south
Member since Sep 2007
22792 posts
Posted on 2/16/13 at 12:44 pm to
video on nfln yesterday

impressive looking next to McGinnest

nfl.com profile
STRENGTHS Tall end/linebacker hybrid with excellent length. Definitely not contact-shy, extends his long arms to land a strong punch on blockers, can disengage to chase plays from behind or grab ballcarriers coming into his area. Also willing to mix it up when challenged. Long strides allow him to cover ground quickly when closing or after his strong get-off with his hand down, but also shows enough bend and short-area quickness to avoid linemen. Lines up against slot receivers and tight ends, managing to stay with them in the open field in spite of his size. Flashes quickness and bend to beat tackles around the corner, can counter with an inside rush or spin move. Also quick enough to flatten down the line to make plays on inside runs. Willing to stick his shoulder into a lead blocker to free up other defenders.
WEAKNESSES Might be an end/linebacker ‘tweener for some teams due to his tall, lean frame. Must improve upper-body strength to get off blocks and gain leverage against NFL-caliber linemen. His height will make it more difficult for him to get low to stop ballcarriers’ momentum or corral them in the open field. Inconsistent working through initial contact to chase plays and finding the ball in the backfield. Susceptible to cut blocks in space, must learn to see and beat them with his hands. Can get knocked off his pass rush route by a strong punch.
NFL COMPARISON Julian Peterson
BOTTOM LINE Jordan's 2012 season ended on a down note, aggravating a shoulder injury during the team's bowl game. He will miss the Senior Bowl and part of the draft process because of it, but Jordan offers a unique blend of comfort in space, length, and pass rush ability. His box scores may not appeal to everyone, but Jordan was frequently asked to cover receivers or tight ends after lining up in the slot opposite them. His future appears to be at strongside linebacker in a four man front, with the ability to rush the passer, or as an outside linebacker in a three-man front.
This post was edited on 2/16/13 at 12:48 pm
Posted by landrywasbeast30
Member since Nov 2011
4904 posts
Posted on 2/16/13 at 1:29 pm to
Jordan is one of the reasons I think the Saints should go LT or safety with that first round pick. The guy is a project. I would rather get Lane Johnson or Vaccaro in first, and someone like Brandon Jenkins in the third. Jenkins, Chase Thomas, and Sean Porter might all be better than Jordan.

If Mingo or Jarvis Jones somehow fall, take one of them. If not, the other guys who will be there at that pick aren't worth it in my opinion.
Posted by WicKed WayZ
Louisiana Forever
Member since Sep 2011
31502 posts
Posted on 2/16/13 at 3:42 pm to
He's too much of a project player, our first round pick has to be a guy that can start right away no matter what position.
Posted by blueslover
deeper than deep south
Member since Sep 2007
22792 posts
Posted on 2/16/13 at 6:34 pm to
I think Jordan is a day one starter- especially here. What other 3-4OLB does he have to beat out?

I do also think he might be the "answer" type player the NFL is looking for to cover the Gronks, Grahams, & other giant athletic TEs.
Posted by Brettesaurus Rex
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2009
38259 posts
Posted on 2/16/13 at 6:43 pm to
quote:

I do also think he might be the "answer" type player the NFL is looking for to cover the Gronks, Grahams, & other giant athletic TEs.
'

bingo bongo
Posted by 228Tiger
Harrison County
Member since Feb 2012
12112 posts
Posted on 2/16/13 at 7:37 pm to
Looks like he has little holes in his shins


Would be an incredible pickup if he falls to us
Posted by monroesaintsfan
monroe
Member since Feb 2010
309 posts
Posted on 2/16/13 at 7:45 pm to
quote:

Looks like he has little holes in his shins


He had some major burn injuries when he was younger. Probably the scarring from that.
Posted by jamal
Places Unknown
Member since Jan 2013
11019 posts
Posted on 2/17/13 at 10:26 am to
I want Kenny Vaccaro. Or lane Johnson
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