Miami Dolphins Got The Edge Rusher, But Where Will He Play?
By Brian Miller
Jan. 3, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end Dion Jordan (96) is lifted into the air by teammate offensive linesman Jake Fisher (75) after scoring a two point conversion against Kansas State Wildcats in the first half during the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins shocked a lot of people last night. The move to the third spot became a moan as it was realized that Jeff Ireland pulled the trigger on a move for OG Lane Johnson. As Roger Goodell began to read the card, a collective “WOW” seemed to pull from the air.
Dion Jordan has been compared favorably to Jason Taylor. He is tall, quick, and has the moves to get to the QB. Unfortunately for Miami, he isn’t a 3 technique edge rusher. Like Jason Taylor. Jordan is an outside linebacker and that makes people wonder where he will fit into the defense.
Today even Jeff Ireland didn’t have an answer telling local media he wasn’t sure where he would line up. That’s a little BS for sure as he said earlier Jordan was at the top of their radar for a month. At some point in time, Ireland, Joe Philbin, and DC Kevin Coyle had to have a discussion about moving up to get Jordan and where he would play.
So sorry, they know.
The trade up was not shocking. The selection was. And just about the time the Dolphins fans grasped what had just happened, it was announced that Jeff Ireland only gave up one extra pick for the privilege of moving up 9 positions. Consider the Rams moved up eight places and gave up a 1st, a swap of 3rd rounders, and a 7th. The Dolphins gave up the 42nd pick overall and number 12.
The question now becomes what happens on day 2 of the draft?
The Dolphins will miss the 42nd overall pick for certain. They have a hole sitting at the left tackle position. The first round was record setting as nine offensive lineman were selected on the first day. There are still players available that the Dolphins could target, but the entire draft now becomes depth along the line and not starters.
The Dolphins began the day opening up trade talks with the Kansas City Chiefs regarding LT Branden Albert. The Chiefs now know the Dolphins do not have the 42nd and likely want Miami’s 54th. The Dolphins have been rumored as of late to be offering only a 4th round pick. The Chiefs are up against a wall after taking LT Eric Fisher with the number 1 overall selection.
There has been questions regarding the Dolphins having interest in moving up higher in round 2. TE Zach Ertz is still available, DE Tank Carradine is available, and Safety Jonathan Cyprien is on the boards as well. The Dolphins addressed a big need at pass rusher in round 1 and as of now have three picks in the next two rounds.
Round 2 starts at 6:30 with 7 minutes between picks. Round 3 will wrap up tonight as well before the draft finishes on Saturday. Teams will begin signing un-drafted free agents come Sunday.