In order to familiarize fans with some of the top names in the 2013 NFL Draft, Chargers.com will be highlighting a different prospect each weekday leading up to the first day of the draft on April 25th.
We continue the series with a scouting report of Oregon defensive end/outside linebacker Dion Jordan.
Name: Dion Jordan
School: Oregon
Height: 6-foot-6
Weight: 248 LBS
Position: Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
Photo Gallery: Dion Jordan in action | More Photos
Dion Jordan didn’t let a bum shoulder that required surgery in early March keep heads from turning at February’s Scouting Combine. Even though he will be out the next three to four months, which will sideline him all the way up to the start of training camp, Jordan still showcased a tremendous combination of speed and athleticism making him arguably the most adept pass rusher in this year’s draft.
Able to play both defensive end and outside linebacker, Jordan ran the fifth fastest 40-yard dash time for both positions, running it in 4.60. He also ranked ninth in the broad jump (122.0 inches) and 15th in the 20-yard shuttle (4.35).
Blessed with a terrific frame, measuring in at 6-foot-6, 248-pounds with 33-7/8th inch arms and 10-inch hands, Jordan is an ideal physical specimen for a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker. In 12 games as a senior, he recorded 44 tackles and five sacks. Jordan possesses natural instincts as a pass rusher and is most effective on third downs and in passing situations when he can use his pure skillset to pressure the passer. He has a great closing burst, and coaches laud him for always hustling to the ball and for being effective at chasing down ball carriers from behind. Jordan is also a physical player that embraces contact
One area Jordan needs to work on is his upper body strength. In the past a strong jolt has disrupted his pass rush, part of which may be due to the nagging shoulder injury he played with last year. Nonetheless, this is one aspect that coaches will be working on with him.
Jordan’s athleticism not only made him a top-10 nationally recruited tight end coming out of high school, but coaches actually wanted him to become a wide receiver. However, he seems to have made the right choice in moving to the other side of the ball as he is now considered one of the premier defenders in this year’s draft class.
Combine Metrics
40-yard Dash: 4.60
Vertical Jump: 32.5 inches
Broad Jump: 122.0 inches
20-Yard Shuffle: 4.35
The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed above do not represent the opinions or policies of the San Diego Chargers’ front office staff, coaches or executives.
