Dolphins shake up NFL draft by picking Dion Jordan USA Today

Defensive end Dion Jordan (Oregon) is introduced as the third overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins at Radio City Music Hall.(Photo Brad Penner USA TODAY Sports)

NEW YORK Miami Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland pulled the first stunner of the 2013 NFL draft.

Ireland traded up nine spots from No. 12 to the third overall slot giving the Oakland Raiders Miami's 42nd overall pick to land former Oregon pass rusher Dion Jordan.

After losing left tackle Jake Long to the St. Louis Rams in free agency everyone inside Radio City Music Hall was thinking that Ireland was moving up for Oklahoma left tackle Lane Johnson only to have the Dolphins grab the speed pass rusher with tremendous upside.

JORDAN First rounder's harrowing brush with death

ANALYSIS See how every first round pick stacks up

For the first time in draft history the initial six picks were either offensive tackles or pass rushers.

It's become a passing league where you have to protect quarterbacks and you have to sack them '' said Jordan who had 14 career sacks at Oregon. I was surprised.''

The 6 6 248 Jordan who rang up 121 tackles including 29 for loss has a long wingspan that has drawn comparisons to Dolphins legend Jason Taylor.

Being compared to a guy like him that has great athletic ability and has sacked quarterbacks for a long time is great '' Jordan said. Because of our size and build I feel that's the reason why we've been compared. My main attribute is getting after quarterbacks.

I'm going to bring pass rush pressure and tremendous athletic ability.''

PHOTOS Every first round draft pick

Last SlideNext Slide

He is expected to line up opposite Pro Bowl pass rusher Cameron Wake on the opposite side and compete for a starting job with Jared Odrick.

Suddenly the revamped Dolphins are a viable contender given the free agent splashes with speed receiver Mike Wallace inside linebackers Dannell Ellerbe Philip Wheeler along with tight end Dustin Keller.

Jordan had 12 sacks the last two seasons and might start out as a situational nickel pass rusher similar to how Aldon Smith an athletic long armed pass rusher with a similar lean build started his career coming out of Missouri with the San Francisco 49ers.

Edge rushers are critical in today's passing league and this guy has a lot of talent '' NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said.

Jordan said he spoke to the Dolphins at the February scouting combine but they showed just minimal interest.

I'm really excited '' he said. It's a real fine organization that is on the rise and looking forward to winning big games.

I'm surprised but not too surprised. I do understand their style of defense and it will be good to play alongside guys like Cameron Wake.''

Of course he'll get plenty of chances to sack New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in what figures to be an intensified AFC East rivalry given Miami's rising stature.

Jordan had surgery to repair a torn shoulder labrum two months ago and said he is ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation and should be ready for training camp in late July.

There had been talk that Jordan who played for new Philadelphia Eagles coach Chip Kelly would be a natural for the Eagles at pick No. 4. But the Dolphins jumped in before Kelly ever had the chance for a reunion.

PHOTOS Scene at the NFL draft

Last SlideNext Slide

Articles Source here