Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon offensive lineman Kyle Long speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

By now you already know that Dion Jordan is a Miami Dolphin. He was selected in a Trade as Miami moved up in the Draft into Oakland’s #3 spot to take the Defensive playmaker. In a surprise to some Oregon Offensive Lineman Kyle Long was also taken in the first round. He went to the Chicago Bears at #20. Long is one of the hidden success stories and going in the first round is a huge for both him and Oregon.

Kyle Long is a raw talent and can be molded in the NFL to play several positions on Offense, which is one of the reasons he was so highly touted by some teams. We now know he will freeze each year in Chicago as a Bear.

The Ducks were not the only team to have players taken in the first round. Star Lotulelei, the Utah nose guard went to the Carolina Panthers at #14. Washington Cornerback Desmond Troufant was the pick of the Atlanta Falcons at #23 and UCLA Defensive End Datone Jones headed to the land of cheese(Green Bay) at #26.

A surprise in Round 1: For the first time in 50 years no Running Back was taken in the First Round of the NFL Draft.

Rounds 2 and 3 pick up at 3:30PT today and the 2nd and 3rd pick belong to San Francisco and Philadelphia. There is good potential for more Ducks to find NFL homes today and tomorrow including Michael Clay, Kiko Alonso, and Kenjon Barner.

Oregon Ducks This Week:

Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Defensive end Dion Jordan (Oregon) is introduced as the third overall pick of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan’s name has been listed everywhere but outside of the Top 15 heading into the NFL Draft. Many had predicted him to have a homecoming of sorts with his former coach Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles, but Jordan went to a team where there was a solid need for a Defensive End, the Miami Dolphins.

According to Andy Kent from Dolphins.com, General Manager Jeff Ireland thought enough of the athletic Jordan to give up the first of his two second-round picks (42nd overall) and swap first-round selections with the Oakland Raiders make it happen.

“I’m going to bring tremendous athletic ability. Overall, I’m a great person and I’m ready to just get in there and work with the guys.”

Jordan told ESPN’s Suzy Kolber backstage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City after donning a Dolphins ballcap.

Kent continues Jordan’s 4.60 in the 40-yard dash tied for the third fastest among defensive ends at the NFL Combine and his leap of 10 feet, 2 inches in the broad jump tied for fourth and he had the procedure done on his shoulder shortly after, missing Oregon’s Pro Day. Some see him as an outside linebacker at the next level and his 12.5 sacks over his last two seasons certainly stand out from a pass-rushing standpoint.

Other Ducks looking for a new home this weekend include Kenjon Barner(2nd-4th Round likely) and Offensive Lineman Kyle Long (Late 1st-3rd Round). Long has a unique situation in that he can play multiple positions and be molded to fit wherever he lands.

Oregon Ducks This Week:

March 14, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks linebacker/defensive end Dion Jordan talks with reporters at Oregon pro day at Moshofsky Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

Several Oregon players will look forward to phone calls this weekend, whether they are in the middle of it at Radio City Music Hall or out in the back woods fishing somewhere. NFL.com has broken down their list of the Top 50 Prospects and there are two Oregon Ducks that make the list.

According to the article, Dion Jordan is #5 (no teams assigned on this list, just a number, according to talent) Here’s what they say:

 

5) Dion Jordan, DE/OLB, Oregon:Jordan is a long, lean athlete with incredible upside as a pass rusher. Oregon’s scheme called on him to drop and cover often, but when he did get pass-rush opportunities, he displayed an explosive get-off and the ability to wrap the edge.

Also making the list of the NFL Draft Top 50 at Number 48 is Offensive Guard Kyle Long, in part because many see him as a raw talent that can be taught at the next level. For a guy who could not get another year of eligibility to hone his skills with the Ducks, he may also be a candidate for more than one position in the NFL, which many see as an upside for his talent.

The 2013 NFL Draft starts Thursday April 25th and concludes on Saturday, April 27th.

There are some AutzenZoo Articles that are related to the NFL Draft:

Oregon Ducks This Week: