Miami Dolphins Off Season Of IFs: Dion Jordan
The Miami Dolphins Offseason is filled with IFs and two of them are Dion Jordan and Kiko Alonso.
Miami Dolphins Offseason is filled with IFs and Dion Jordan is one of them.
The Miami Dolphins Offseason has been carried by a word that is full of both hope and sorrow: IF! IF Alonso bounces back, IF Maxwell can step up his game, IF Wake recovers, IF Bushrod can transition to guard, IF Albert can play a full season, IF Mario will return to play maker, IF Gase is good coach, IF Tannenbaum can draft, IF Dion Jordan will return and make good, THEN Miami will have one heck of a year!
I just played lotto and I am expecting the check in a couple of weeks. Anyone need a loan?
Seriously, even the best franchise don’t hit 100%. Their is no way that Miami Dolphins and Tannenbaum will either, so they shouldn’t be expected to. But, they need to nail more than not and one of the IF’s that isn’t a total long shot – although it seems that way – is Dion Jordan.
Stop laughing, please.
We all know the story, the Dolphins made a surprising trade up to draft Jordan at #3 in the 2013 Draft. They then wanted him to bulk up on a bum shoulder to a DE at around 270lbs. Jordan seemingly felt he couldn’t do it naturally and then used performance enhancers to get there.
This is the curious part of it. As a former personal trainer, I find it extremely difficult to believe that an NFL staff had zero inclination that 20lbs of muscle added on a bad wing in a few months was “normal”. Then he got busted, and then again. Why did’t they have a plan? It’s rhetorical, I know the answer – because they were inept. In the real world, naturally adding 20lbs of lean muscle to a person who is at their near max, especially in a few months, is all but impossible. At what point do you say, he can’t put the weight on and stay in the league, “Let’s find a new position for this massive asset”!
Jordan has played sparsely, he was suspended twice for a substance abuse violation, once for 4 games in 2014, and once for the entire 2015 season. Jordan will be eligible to return to the team within a month’s time, and the Dolphins have openly said they are willing to welcome him back on the team. They even acquired Alosno, Jordan’s friend and former teammate, to be a liaison.
Dion Jordan was a ‘backer in college, so why didn’t the Miami Dolphins move him there quicker?
First of all Jordan is signed through 2016, and this year he has a cap hit of around $6.2 million, with just about $3 million as dead cap money, so even if Miami did want to get rid of him, most sports gambling fans would say it would not be worth it because they will have to eat $3 million. Jordan has shown some momentary flashes, so with some proper coaching – ahem position change – determination, passion for the game, and hard work on his part, he could at least be a contributor to the Dolphins defense at a period where they need all the help they can get.
Clearly Jordan has a tall task ahead of him, not only has he been away from football for a year, but he will also need to stay clean and take around 10 drug tests a month – which includes alcohol. But, let’s remember he was taking drugs to add weight, not to get high. If he doesn’t need the weight, he won’t need the drugs. This isn’t a case where he is addicted. This is a case where a staff asked someone to do the impossible and he went outside the rules to do it. This time it seems Miami has a whole other plan for him. It’s a plan that should have been set for him in the beginning – the position he played in college: LINEBACKER! Talent has never been a problem. Now, it’s on him and his will to decide what’s next. Go Fins!!!
Steve, I understand you. However; with the needs of this team and a new staff in place the last position they are concerned about right now is QB. Why? Gase specializes in QB play and believes that he can coach Tannys weaknesses. They may take a QB in the 5/6/7, a player such a Kevin Hogan from Stanford.
Even if Miami was interested in Jones they may not publicly say so. This time of the year is filled w smoke screens. The weakness for Jones is actually the biggest concern of any for the professional teams. Jones = “Fails to read defenses and locks onto targets, lack of anticipation and timing”, per CBS Sports. When you can not read a defense and/or lock onto targets, you have a short career if any in the NFL. Jones will be a back-up career at best, ie: Collin Kapernick, RG3. Their problem is from the head up. Now if you take a look at a player such as Hogan, he has all the tools, his issue is mechanics; “Elongated delivery”, per CBS Sports. Now that is the kind of player that Gase desires. Having the luxury of 2 or 3 years to work on and perfect his mechanics. Maybe if Jones is sitting there in the 6th round (projected 4th), ok, but if both Jones and Hogan (projected 6th) are sitting there in the 6th, I see Miami taking the guy that can make the reads, can anticipate.
Dunner
I understand the reads. But In college they play for national Titles and Jones come in off the bench to lead the Great Ohio State to defeat Nick Saban’s Alabama and Marcus Merriota Oregon. These other QB’s have yet to master. Tannehill is the 32nd Dolphins QB who supposedly can make the reads with no playoffs etc. Which place him in IF’s Colum of players we have. I know that the Steelers, Philly and maybe Dallas will see the talent like I do! I do respect you evaluation.
FinFans
Note: Pennington finished the season with a passer rating of 97.4, started all sixteen games for the Dolphins, and led them to an 11–5 record and the third seed in the playoffs with an AFC East Championship. Chad is the first Dolphins quarterback since Hall of Famer Dan Marino to throw for 3,500 yards. For his role in the Dolphins’ ten-win turnaround, Pennington received notable MVP consideration from several major media outlets.[11][12] He received four votes, and finished second to Peyton Manning for the 2008 AP NFL MVP.
At the completion of the regular season, Pennington was awarded his second Comeback Player of the Year Award.[13]
Miami needs to have Cardale Jones have A private visit what are they affraid of? that Wow he can make every throw?, Wow he can pass on the run? Wow he can handle the presure? Wow he can throw 70 yards kneeling on one knee? If Irving Myers were Fins Coach would Myers without hessitation draft Jones??
FinFans
Who are living in Denial!!! The Fact/Stats dont lie?
The Dolphins have had 32 different starting quarterbacks (QB) in their franchise history; only George Mira and Tyler Thigpen have started only one game for the Dolphins.[3][4][a] The Dolphins’ first starting quarterback was Dick Wood during the first inaugural season game in 1966, against the Oakland Raiders; Wood however was replaced a week later by rookie Rick Norton due to inconsistency.[5][6] Notable Dolphin starting quarterbacks include Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees Bob Griese and Dan Marino, whom together combined for 391 total starts and 239 wins all with the Dolphins.[7][8][9] Other standouts include Earl Morrall, Don Strock, David Woodley, Jay Fiedler, Chad Pennington, and A.J. Feeley.
The Miami Dolphins entered the 2012 season with the franchise’s 32nd different starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill. He is the first rookie to ever start on opening day for the Dolphins.[10]
Now we can blamed the line, We have blame the receivers?? Bottom line the Dolphins have not been able to earned a “Wild Card position the last 7 years or so. So Blindly We rolled into 2016 again and what has changed The Dolphins will ensure no one changlenged the QB. Dolphins have the opportuntity to go after the Big Arm in Cardale Jones but will not. I think the Fins are affraid of success? I’m about no excuses. We are running into a Decade of excuses?
Why isnt the Dolphins having Jones have a Private Visit?
Jones has a big arm and can make any throw. He has the strength to push the ball outside the numbers on deep outs and comebacks. There really is not a throw that he can not make.
The Dolphins could take Jones and allow him to hone his skills with the vast experience in the quarterback room. Ride the bench a season. You critique what QB in College has step in and handled the presure and performed during Prime time with success of National victory?
Jones has the ability to scramble and get first downs if plays break down. The Dophins could also implement a series of designed runs to take advantage of Jones’ athleticism.
He throws very well on the move, so the Dolphins can move the pocket for him and give him a quick high-low read to allowing him to get rid of the ball quickly. Jones has thrived when throwing the football on the run and in the pocket.
These are ways the Dolphins can get Jones settled into the NFL. Jones has already shown that he can make a quick impact on a football team. He had a great run when he led Ohio State to a National Championship in 2014.
The QB that had a visit what national Title has his team to? Eye for Talent? Most likely Jones will go to Pittsburgh and play behind Big Ben or the Eagles or 49ers.
As far as Jordan = this will be his last shot at a career in the NFL. Lets just hope that he understands that and acts accordingly. One positive that could come out of this other than his on the field production could be a much lesser financial extension. He could be cheaper than his positional value, would be a nice payoff.
Alonzo = To me this was a no brainer. The kid is a player, and comes w a minimal “if”. “If” he doesn’t regain his production, the move came at a minimal financial cost, right idea. However; “if” he does regain his previous production, BINGO!!!
2 “IFS” worth the risk in our particular case.
Kriag Urbik may not be the savior or answer to our O-Line woes. He is a good piece to the puzzle, in other words, he adds quality depth and if we do not add another guard between now and opening day (if we don’t, run Taanebaum out of town right then), he would beat out all three of last years guards (Douglas/Turner/Thomas). It is smart $, smart move, will not alter next years compensation pick(s). I don’t believe they see this player as day 1 starter, but a piece to the puzzle. A player that will come in and compete, and if warranted; will become a starter, if not, he is quality veteran depth.
Just look ahead to next years draft compensation at this point; at least 2 third round picks (Miller/Vernon), possibly a third third round pick for Mathews; but at least a forth rounder and possibly a fifth round for Shelby. That would be an extra 2 third round picks a forth rounder and a fifth rounder and plenty of cap space to boot.
I really like this staff/regime’s approach. We are actually acting like a professional organization for a change. Not panicking and over spending on both the Guard/RB options. I just hope that they have a alternative plan through and after the draft. Let other teams pay BIG $ for over valued player(s). Some being our own player(s), while our draft picks increase as well as a big increase in cap space moving forward. That is how winning organizations operate.
We may be more than one player away heading into the 16 draft/season. With a good 16 draft and progression from our 15 draft class we could be one player away heading into the 17 season. All the sudden we have a boat load of cap space to invest in the one player if available, and a boat load of draft picks to be able to maneuver and/or the draft the best player available. That is how championship rosters/teams are built. Remember in 17, players such as; Wake (9.8), D.Jordan (6.2), Cameron (6), Jenkins (1.7) will all be free agents, potentially freeing up a total of 23+ million more dollars in cap space.
Let the other teams be the off season champions, the Miami Dolphins have been the previous 3 years and NOTHING to show for it. Don’t panic, I like being one of the silent assassins for a change.
Agree on so much, and you were way ahead of the curve with the compensatory picks…Tannenbaum is going for picks and it makes sense why he didn’t go big on FA – they have to draft well to seal the deal, but I am liking the plan more and more. This vision is what most Fin Fans wanted…and while I am cautious over its implementation, I have far less reservations over it’s philosophy.
Admin & FinFans
I agree We have too many If’s. I’m sure our division rival’s are thrilled about the Dolphins if’s Team. If ha ha the fins put their trust in Jordan not smoking etc. A A bus load of non starting OG’s, Questionable QB, and a Broken Secondary, Special teams running backs only. I would not go that route? This is like planning a trip cross country with 3 may pop tire and a may pop spare? But the Fins are taking this trip and want us Fans to ride along? I’m stupid for considering to ride along another year! I do like the Fins slowing thing down to make better decision and I’m sure they have a draft plan?
I like the way they are stocking up on compensatory picks and cleaning up the cap. This to me is about this year AND next year. They aren’t making a run at a ring this year, and that’s fine. They are setting up for a whopping about of picks next year as Dunner has pointed out and that great. No matter what they say this is a rebuilding year…bottom line. So far, although I don’t always agree, they have an actual plan, and it’s actually not totally asinine. I’m reserving judgement until the Draft and then again come week one. Week one is where we will know what we have…I’ll be there.
…finally someone gets it …they drafted him to be a pass rushing DE …he wasn’t …he’s a very gifted LB and we need to use him as such …he has the talent, speed, and coverage skills to be the fins Gronk killer …and man o man do we need one …plus++++++ …he will give us a superb pass rush on 3rd down pass situations
…pray that 3 years of incompetent GM/coaching hasn’t ruined him for us …if he returns, has a good camp, and plays to potential, he could make a huge difference in our defense …alas, those dreaded “ifs”
…here’s hoping this coaching staff “gets it” as well
I still believe this kid has something to prove!! I think he has what itakes physically to be really good, it’s just a matter of what’s going on between his ears! Like it was mentioned in the write up, he has shown flashes of being a good player!! He just needs the organization to really get behind him, support him (which I feel they didn’t while Philbin was here) and give him a legitimate opportunity at the position he BELONGS at, which is WLB.
Go DOLPHINS!! PHINS UP 4-Ever!!
Dolfan, you think WLB…hmmm, I’m gonna’ toss that around in my brain at some point. To me I see him as a SLB because he can rush and has the length to fight off TE’s or the skill to Drop with him. I guess he might be too small at 235 or so to be a SLB, but at 6’6” he has a huge advantage to compensate for weight. I think as Lemmus said this kid would be a good player elsewhere. They went and reached for him and then pigeonholed him. I think Ireland just wanted to roll the dice hope he came up big to keep his job.
Lemmus that’s the one thing about this season I am growing very comfortable with…the staff, well at least it’s head. Gase seems honest and straightforward – little nuts – but he isn’t afraid and that is so refreshing after PHilbust. I think Gase is fairly clear headed – we’ll see given his comment on the O-line – and I expect some good moves to be made by him. Time will tell, but I think people might end up being surprised over Jordan – not saying he will ever be a star, but that he will contribute.