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DAVIE, Fla. – Jeff Ireland’s offseason boldness didn’t end with free agency. The Miami Dolphins general manager saved some dramatic moves for the NFL Draft.
Two selections into Thursday night’s draft, Ireland acquired Oakland’s third overall pick in exchange for Miami’s 12th overall pick and a second-rounder (42nd overall).
The stunning trade briefly appeared to pave way for Miami’s drafting of Oklahoma’s Lane Johnson, who would fill the void at left tackle created by Jake Long’s departure via free agency.
Central Michigan’s Eric Fisher and Texas A&M’s Luke Joeckel, who with Johnson had been considered the top tackles in the draft, were chosen Nos. 1-2 by Kansas City and Jacksonville, respectively.
That’s when Ireland topped himself, selecting Oregon defensive end/outside linebacker Dion Jordan.
Instead of beating teams to Johnson, Ireland prevented Philadelphia Eagles rookie coach Chip Kelly from picking Jordan at No. 4. Kelly coached Jordan at Oregon.
None of Miami’s recent free-agent signings, which included wide receivers Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson and linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler, was more surprising than Ireland’s first-round draft moves.
The 6-foot-6, 248-pound Jordan is a former tight end considered to be an edge rusher who can get to the quarterback. Comparisons to former Tennessee Titans “Freak” Jevon Kearse and former Dolphins great Jason Taylor were made soon after Miami’s selection.
“We jumped up there awfully quickly and took a player we coveted quite a bit,” Ireland said. “He was very high on the board. We think he’s an outstanding talent, has tremendous versatility, he’s a great kid.
“We just think the world of the player and what he’s capable of doing. He has tremendous upside.”
Jordan, himself, didn’t see things playing out the way they did.
“I was really surprised because I wasn’t expecting a trade to go down,” Jordan said. “But I do feel they made the right move.”
In his sixth year with Miami, Ireland likely doesn’t have time to waste first-round picks. Although Jordan might not be a question mark in the Miami GM’s mind, the two-time All-Pac-12 first-team member does have doubters.
The Dolphins used a 4-3 defense last season, when Cameron Wake excelled at rushing the passer. Jordan, however, seems better suited to play the outside linebacker in a 3-4 alignment.
Whichever defense is used, Jordan will be expected to provide pressure.
“I feel like that’s a position that you can’t have enough of,” Ireland said. “You have to score touchdowns, you have to knock the quarterback down and you have to take the ball away – and this guy can do one of those things.”
Jordan underwent surgery in February to repair a torn labrum, though Ireland said he didn’t think the injury was “major.”
Neither did Jordan, who had 10.5 tackles for loss and five sacks last season.
“I do feel very blessed to be a Dolphin, and I’m excited they made the move they made,” Jordan said.
Heading into Friday’s second and third rounds, Miami owns three picks – 54th overall (from Indianapolis), 77th and 82nd (from Chicago). The Dolphins' primary need areas remain offensive line and the secondary.
Charlie McCarthy can be reached at mac1763@bellsouth.net or on Twitter @mccarthy_chas.
