The 2013 NFL Draft transformed 32 NFL rosters. Around The League will examine the aftershocks in our Draft Fallout series. Next up: The Miami Dolphins.
The Big Question: Will Dion Jordan make an instant impact?
While the Dolphins came into the 2013 NFL Draft with a boatload of picks, they're going to be judged mostly on their decision to select Dion Jordan at No. 3 overall after trading up.
I love Jordan's skill set. He's in a position to succeed playing opposite Cameron Wake and next to two talented defensive tackles. But Jordan might require time to develop his pass-rush skills at the NFL level.
Some of Jordan's biggest assets -- including his ability to play in space -- don't always show up on the stat sheet. Anyone expecting sack numbers similar to the ones Von Miller and Aldon Smith put up as rookies likely will be disappointed. Based on historical precedent, Jordan is more likely to mirror the production of Dolphins legend Jason Taylor in his rookie season. He only had five sacks as a rookie. Pass rushing was not Jordan's primary role at Oregon, and there is a lot to learn. Wake is just the man to teach Jordan.
Three takeaways
- I've criticized general manager Jeff Ireland for thinking short term in his contract year, but drafting Jordan was a long-term bet because offensive tackle was a far bigger need. The Dolphins are gambling that they can get by with Jonathan Martin and a veteran stopgap offensive tackle to be named later to protect quarterback Ryan Tannehill. It's a calculated risk, but not a terrible one considering the free-agent market.
- Cornerbacks Jamar Taylor and Will Davis will be asked to play right away, with Taylor a decent bet to start at some point during his rookie season. Fair or not, these two essentially are the long-term replacements for Vontae Davis and Sean Smith.
- The Dolphins reportedly were set to draft TCU wide receiver Josh Boyce in the fourth round before the New England Patriots snapped him up. It's a reminder that Miami's wideout depth is thinner than you think, and the front office knows it. Brandon Gibson is a year-to-year option.
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