Falcons: Potential Falcons First Round Picks - Dion Jordan, DE, Oregon

[RFlagg]

My second installment of Potential Falcons First Round Picks focuses on Oregon DE Dion Jordan. Jordan played in games for the Ducks in each of his 4 seasons, and started the last 2 years. Jordan is projected to go somewhere in the first round, though the projections range from him going 10th overall to the Titans all the way to 30th overall to the Falcons.

Vitals
Height - 6'6"
Weight - 243 lbs.
Arm Length - Unknown
40 Time - 4.68 (Unofficial)
Squat - Unknown
Bench - Unknown

Stats
2009 - 1 Solo Tackle, 2 Total Tackles
2010 - 5.5 TFL, 21 Solo Tackles, 33 Total Tackles, 2.0 Sacks, 1 Pass Break Up
2011 - 13.0 TFL, 25 Solo Tackles, 42 Total Tackles, 7.5 Sacks, 1 FF
2012 - 10.5 TFL, 26 Solo Tackles, 44 Total Tackles, 5.0 Sacks, 1 Pass Break Up, 3 FF
Totals - 29.0 TFL, 73 Solo Tackles, 121 Total Tackles, 14.5 Sacks, 2 Pass Break Ups, 4 FF

Highlights










Analysis
Jordan is a converted TE that is drawing a lot of comparisons New England DE Chandler Jones. Jones had a decent rookie season, amassing 45 Tackles and 6 Sacks along with 3 Forced Fumbles. Jordan does seem to fit more as a 3-4 OLB, however adding some muscle and size could allow him to play DE in a 4-3 scheme.

Pros
Jordan has a knack for getting off blocks and uses his speed to get by a lot of blockers on the college level. Does a good job of disrupting the timing of TEs coming off the line and can also split out wide to cover when necessary.

Cons
His speed is his greatest strength and his greatest weakness. Too often tries to use a speed move and ends up over running and getting taken out of plays. Needs to develop other moves to beat pass blocking.

My Thoughts
I look at Jordan and I see a very good player with a lot of potential. He rarely showed lack of effort at Oregon and I believe he could be the pass rusher the Falcons are looking for. My main problem is I do not believe he will fall all the way to 30th, as a lot of teams are looking for this type of player, especially teams moving to the 3-4 (I'm thinking the Saints will take him at 15th, honestly).