Pat Lovell – USA TODAY Sports
Thursday night’s NFL Draft might mark one of the highest draft positions for an Oregon Duck in the history of the University. But the question remains: Is Dion Jordan the best NFL prospect to come out of the University of Oregon?
Jordan is one of the most dynamic pass rushers in this year’s draft and a guarantee to go in the Top 10. The last Oregon defensive player to be taken in the first round was Haloti Ngata in 2006, going 12th overall. Since 2000, the highest Oregon Duck to be drafted was quarterback Joey Harrington; he went third overall in the 2002 draft.
Oregon has a rich history of players going to the NFL, but a short list of those who have been successful in their careers. Some of the greatest include Dan Fouts, Ahmad Rashad and Norm Van Brocklin.
Will Jordan join this list of these successful former Ducks and NFL greats?
Jordan is a versatile player that fits the new age defensive end/outside linebacker that the NFL is gearing towards. He is looking to follow the success that Buffalo Bills’ DE/OLB Mario Williams, Dallas Cowboys’ OLB DeMarcus Ware, or San Francisco 49ers’ DE/OLB Aldon Smith have had in their careers.
Most mock drafts have him going to either the Jacksonville Jaguars or Cleveland Browns. Whichever team takes Jordan is hoping that he becomes like one of these players; but can he?
Jordan has all the tools that it takes to be a top-notch defensive player in the NFL for the next decade. He has the athleticism (having been recruited as a tight end), size and strength incomparable to anyone else in the league. Jordan can rush the passer like All-Pro defensive end J.J. Watt, and has hands like recently retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis.
It is way too early to try and predict what Jordan can and cannot do, but one can’t help but be excited about what he can offer any team that decides to draft him on Thursday night.
I foresee Jordan being picked fourth overall to the Philadelphia Eagles, reuniting him with college coach Chip Kelly who already has had success utilizing Jordan to the fullest of his abilities.
The first round of the NFL Draft is Thursday on ESPN starting at 5 P.M. PST at Radio Music City Hall in New York City.
Vincent Winter is an Oregon Ducks writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @sportsfans247, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
