A Trade For Dion Jordan Could Push Falcons’ Defense To The Top

Sep 22, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Dion Jordan (95) reacts after defeating the Atlanta Falcons at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Former 1st Round pick Dion Jordan has been rumored to be on the trade block for the last several months, and most reports have him likely landing with the Philadelphia Eagles.  However, the Falcons should be a team that is interested, given their most recent shift to more of a 3-4 base defense.

Dion was drafted to a Dolphins team that utilizes Dion as more of a 43DE, and playing out of position, he concluded 2013 with 2 total sacks.  Given his build, speed, and athleticism, he could thrive in Mike Nolan’s hybrid scheme.

The Falcons added 4 linebackers in the 2014 draft, but all were late 4th round picks or later who were brought in for depth purposes with the hopes of developing.  Adding Jordan would give the Falcons defense a 1st round talent player in the pass rushing department, and also a vocal leader and hard worker as his former coach Chip Kelly stated in the video above.

"…he’s going in to being one of our best leaders. [He’s] a very vocal leader, but also great leader by example.  Young players gravitate to him.  He does a great job of mentoring young kids, and making sure that he takes care of them."

Reports have said that the Eagles tried to trade a 2nd round pick and pass rusher Brandon Graham for the Oregon product, but the Dolphins declined the offer.  If Atlanta could somehow package a slightly sweeter deal, and land Jordan, I believe it could pay dividends to the Falcon’s defense.

Then again, there are some pretty intriguing pass rushers in next year’s draft as well, and Atlanta may be better off sticking to their “build through the draft” philosophy.