Our 2013 Community Mock Draft keeps on trucking! In this annual exercise we put the fates of all 32 teams in the hands of our community. This exercise accomplishes several things. For one, we often have a bit of tunnel vision when it comes to the NFL. We will get a glimpse into the needs of each of the franchises. It also helps us get familiar with each of the first-round prospects because like last year in a trade up for Morris Claiborne, you never quite know what the future holds for Dallas.
Every GM has been informed of their team's needs and is ready to roll. Let's see who will be selected with the fourth pick in the draft!
Draft Pick # [4]
Team Name: [Philadelphia Eagles]
GM: [Jimmy K]
Selection: (OLB) Dion Jordan, Oregon
Here's our GM with his explanation of the selection:
Why the pick:
While the Eagles' new coaching staff has been unwilling to put a label on what kind of defense they're going to run this year, the overwhelming thinking is that it is going to be some sort of 4-3/3-4 hybrid, similar to the one run by the Seahawks. The two OLBs have different jobs, and they are explained here by Sheil Kapadia of Philly Mag.
"One linebacker is lined up across the tight end. This would be your typical outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. You need a player who's capable of rushing the passer or dropping back into coverage. Chike Okeafor filled this role for the Cardinals in 2008 under new Eagles DC Billy Davis. According to PFF, he rushed the QB about 70 percent of the time and dropped back about 30 percent on passing downs.
And then there's the pass-rush specialist on the other side. This is the player Davis referred to as the "Predator." For the Cardinals, that spot was occupied by Bertrand Berry and Travis LaBoy. Per PFF, Berry rushed the passer 94 percent of the time and dropped back just 6 percent. For LaBoy, the exact same percentages applied."
The Eagles seem to be set at the "Predator" position, which is where recently signed Connor Barwin is slated to play, along with Trent Cole.
The other OLB position is still a bit of a mystery. Brandon Graham is a good pass rusher, but how well he can drop into coverage in the pros is a complete and total guess at this point.
Dion Jordan would fill the role of the first OLB perfectly. He's 6'6, 248, very athletic, and extremely versatile. He can rush the passer, but his real value was that Oregon moved him all over the field and asked him to drop into coverage quite a bit, where he also excelled.
There are a large number of mobile QBs that have flooded the NFC (Robert Griffin III, Colin Kaepernick, Russell Wilson, Cam Newton, and even some other guys like Aaron Rodgers, Tony Romo, and Jay Cutler). The more athletic guys you can add to your defense to chase those QBs around, the better off you'll be.
The Eagles add a "do-everything" player to their front 7, and can continue to build around him and potential star Fletcher Cox.
HIGH PRIORITY TEAM NEEDS (lower number indicates higher priority) according to Drafttek.com
-- Threat Level Red (priority 1-2): Left Tackle, 3-4 Defensive End
-- Threat Level Orange (priority 3-4): 3-4 OLB, Right Tackle, Possession Receiver, Guard, Free Safety, Cornerback
-- Threat Level Yellow (priority 5-6): Quarterback, 3-4 DT, Strong Safety, 3-4 WILB, Slot Receiver, Feature Receiver, Tight End
-- Threat Level Green (priority 9): Running Back, 3-4 SILB
-- Drafttek.com ranked #2 Overall, #1 at the position
-- Russ Lande, National Football Post: #7 Overall, #1 at the position
SUMMARY - Dion Jordan was an exciting player to evaluate because he is such a versatile, explosive athlete. His speed and burst allow him to not only be a constant threat rushing the passer but also drop into coverage and make plays against the run in pursuit. He shows good anticipation off the snap which allows him to get off the ball in a flash and consistently threaten the pocket against both run and pass plays. While he flashes the ability to set up moves with his hands he does not have a proficient counter-move at this stage in his career, and will need to continue to develop his skill set. Jordan is a fit in any system and has experience playing a variety of roles on the defensive front seven. If he were healthy during the draft process he would almost certainly be a top ten pick, as his potential is as high as any defender in this draft. Assuming teams feel comfortable with the long-term prognosis of his shoulder, expect to still hear his name called on day one.
-- CBSSports.com ranked #8 overall, #2 at the position (DE)
-- DraftInsider.Net ranked #4 overall, #2 at the position
-- DraftCountdown ranked #10 overall, #2 at the position (DE)
-- Scout.com ranked #6 overall, #1 at the position
-- Mike Mayock ranked #1 at the position
-- NFLDraftScout.com profile (Dane Brugler):
Strengths: Rare athleticism for his size with loose hips and smooth footwork to move naturally in any direction. Looks like a basketball small forward in football pads with his tall, long frame and flexible joints, looking comfortable in space.
Fluid change of direction skills in his transition, quickly redirecting. Very good first step with natural bend and closing burst off the edge to flatten to the quarterback. Active and doesn't quit. Uses his length well with violent hand use, using quick mitts to make it tough for blockers to combat them.
Physical striker to separate man from ball with the arms to easily wrap and finish. Fiery demeanor and has a good head on his shoulders. Good awareness and experience lining up all over the defenses' front-7, even spending time covering the slot receiver and dropping in coverage. Still growing and sky is the limit with his athletic potential.
Weaknesses: Lean and lanky body type. Needs to add bulk to his frame and get stronger, but there are questions about how much weight he can add to his body. Lacks dominant upper body power to win with his hands. Still learning his pass rush moves and needs to develop in this area.
Needs to stay controlled, often overrunning the pocket or his intended target. Lacks experience putting his hand on the ground and rushing from a 3-point stance. Lacks a natural position and will be viewed as a defensive end by some and a strong-side linebacker by others.
Still raw in a lot of areas and will need time to grow at the next level. Strong durability concerns with various injuries over his career, notably a tender right shoulder that plagued him much of 2012. Only average production at Oregon with just 14.5 career sacks
Now On The Clock: Detroit Lions
Previous Picks: Chiefs: OT Luke Joeckel, Jaguars: CB Dee Milliner, Raiders: DE/OLB Jarvis Jones