An Athletic Pass Rusher
February 24th, 2013
Even with stud defensive tackle Gerald McCoy wreaking havoc on the inside, the Bucs simply didn’t get enough heat on the quarterback last season.
Some blame injuries to defensive ends Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers. Others blame the trainwreck that was the Bucs cornerbacks who were so wretched, they couldn’t cover themselves with a blanket at night, enabling quarterbacks to get rid of the ball basically before the defensive line had a chance to cross the line of scrimmage.
If Bucs rock star general mnaager Mark Dominik wants an athletic, pass rushing specialist, perhaps Oregon’s Dion Jordan is that man?
Yesterday while speaking with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Jordan sold himself as an athlete playing defensive end.
“I feel like me lining up all over the field on defense shows my athleticism, shows that I understand the game and that I did a lot for the university,” Jordan said. “But my whole thing is getting after the quarterback, so pass rush would be my No. 1.”
But Jordan isn’t just a jock. He credits his intelligence with being able to read offenses, read what they are doing on any given play, which he believes gives him an extra step in getting to the quarterback.
“I understand the game, I understand defenses because I played on the offensive side of the ball, I understand a lot of the offensive schemes also,” Jordan said. “So it plays to my abilities, just understanding a lot of little things.”
Could Jordan hack it in the NFL? Well, he did practice each day at Oregon against some of the best offensive players in the nation, which he believes will serve him well on the NFL level.
“As a defensive player, keeping up with guys like a Kenjon Barner, chasing him down the field, or LaMichael James or even a DeAnthony Thomas, those guys are very special. As a defensive player, being able to keep up with those guys Monday through Friday, when we get to the game on Saturday, it’s pretty easy for us as far as the game speed.
“I’m used to that type of tempo.”
Again, Jordan as a defensive end would be more of a pass rushing specialist than anything else. Many project Jordan to be a 34 outside linebacker, which is pretty amazing for a 6-7 guy.
Given his height, Jordan, in addition to rushing the passer, ought to be able to disrupt passes — something the Bucs front line really hasn’t done a much of in recent years.
February 24th, 2013 at 12:59 pm
“A lot of talk from (teams running) 3-4 defenses, mainly, that’s what I played (at Oregon), it’s the best spot for my potential.”
I agree with him. I like Dion Jordan but he’s a terrible fit for us. Give me Werner, Moore, or Ansah (in that order) if we’re looking for a DE.
February 24th, 2013 at 1:27 pm
plus he want make it to pick #13
February 24th, 2013 at 1:27 pm
Joe, you’re right about Jordan. I think he has huge value, ESP at 13. But NOT I repeat NOT, as an end. I think he is better suited to strong side linebacker and would stay on the field in the nickel package, getting your boy Mason Foster off the field. Poor guy was torched last year. Dion is 6’7″ and runs like a TE. Think he couldn’t cover Jimmy graham? Not to mention if they wanted to blitz him, he’s kinda good rushing the qb, bonus!
February 24th, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Injured
February 24th, 2013 at 2:34 pm
If jordan is there at 13 its a no brainer. U pick him!!
February 24th, 2013 at 2:38 pm
http://youtu.be/1UwVrBRruEk
February 24th, 2013 at 2:42 pm
Thanks for the nod on the following article (versatility), Joe! I think he’s very likely! Jordan or Hankins. (Hankins played all five positions on the DLine at OU.)
February 24th, 2013 at 3:29 pm
^^^^Hankins played for OHIO STATE not OU,he would be a reach at 13 and their are only 4 positions on the D-line unless youre running a 3-4.
February 24th, 2013 at 3:38 pm
Wow, everybody is wrong about Jordan.
#1, he is tiny shade over 6’6, not 6’7 and two, it his versatility that would allow him to stay on the field full-time albeit in different roles.
A la Paul Kruger and Von Miller, Jordan would play Sam LB on running downs and then move to DE on passing downs. That is exactly how he would be used if drafted by a 4-3 team.
Drafting him would serve two purposes, get a new Sam, and get a nickel pass rush specialist. Drafting him would effectively keep Foster at Mike… which I don’t prefer… I would like to see us draft Khasseem Greene in round 2 and leave him at Mike for the next 10-15 years.
February 24th, 2013 at 4:20 pm
He would definitely compliment Adrian and DaQuan.
3rd down specialist. Rotate for both DaQuan and Adrian.
Have them ALL FRESH by the 4th quarter.
Depth at D-Lineman can help win a SuperBowl.
Ask the Giants.
They destroyed QB’s in their way to a Championship.
February 24th, 2013 at 5:14 pm
Giant’s had depth last year as well and they disapointed.How about the Eagles D-line they have four NFL starter’s watching from the sidelines.But no safety.You can’t draft a DE to play half the snap’s.When we need 2 corner’s to play every down.I’m not high on this Jordan guy.Look’s like a tweener,to slight to play at the line.To tall to cover agile WR and rb’s.Aaron Maybin
February 24th, 2013 at 5:31 pm
Lol thanks autocorrect. I meant OS, and Ohio state used both formations (apparently) as I’ve heard it told he played all positions from various sources. (Both 34 ends and all for 43 positions) that’s versatility.
February 24th, 2013 at 9:19 pm
THe handful of games I saw of him this year… he was fantastic. He could be a guy who rotates with Bennett and Clayborn. I could see Benett moving inside on 3rd and long and Clayborn and Jordan on the outside.
He is tall, uses leverage and was about 250. I cannot imagine that he would not be able to bulk up 10-20 lbs and keep his speed.
Talk about someone who reminds of Simeon Rice…
February 24th, 2013 at 10:21 pm
reminds me a lot of simeon