Dion Jordan called “best edge rusher/athlete” in 2013 draft class

Arizona Sports News online

Dion Jordan’s name is one of the hot ones being tossed around at the NFL Combine, as teams are taking a hard look at this young man, a young man whose talents on the football field are shining as bright as the sun.

At Chandler High School, Jordan was a freak of nature, playing both tight end and defensive end, both of whom have served him well as he’s set to jump under the microscope this weekend.

Jordan continued that “next level” of play in Eugene, Ore., as an Oregon Duck. He also played some tight end there as a sophomore, before switching over to defensive end, and he’s been a menace for opposing offenses ever since.

ESPN NFL Draft Analyst Todd McShay, who knows just about everything about every player heading into the draft, says Jordan can be a legitimate star in the NFL, if he stays healthy over the course of his career.

“I think he might be the best edge rusher/athlete in this class,” McShay said. “When you look at the combination of the size, the athleticism [and] the ability to get to the quarterback and just the potential being there, I think you have to put Dion Jordan up there.”

McShay says he wouldn’t be surprised to see Jordan be one of the first 10 players selected in April’s draft, because he believes Jordan’s that good.

I used the phrase “freak of nature” to describe Jordan earlier. NFL.com Draft Analyst Bucky Brooks used the same exact term to describe Jordan, and what he sees from the young man.

“You see the athleticism, you see the ability to create havoc off the edge as a pass rusher, but also being athletic enough to drop [into coverage],” Brooks said. “In today’s game, where so many teams are playing with hybrid defenses, he’s a guy you certainly are interested in.”