BY NICK ST. DENIS
The Miami Dolphins traded up to the third overall pick to draft front-seven defender Dion Jordan, but Jordan hasn't been getting the workload to match.
The Oregon product has yet to assume a steady role in Miami's defense. In fact, his playing time has stayed virtually the same throughout the season, as he's taken the field for roughly a quarter of his unit's snaps.
"I’m being patient," Jordan said earlier this week, via the Sun-Sentinel. "I’m understanding what my role is right now, and my whole thing is to make the most out of the snaps I’ve been given."
Jordan has been limited primarily to pass-rushing situations and has been put into coverage about a dozen times, according to ProFootballFocus. However, he won't sniff an every-down gig if he doesn't establish himself as a serviceable run-defender, and his wiry frame could be a detriment in that regard moving forward.
His head coach insists he's making strides.
“I think he’s progressing well," Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said Monday, via Dolphins.com. "He’s been out on the practice field on a consistent basis. He’s developing his fundamentals relevant to his position, fitting into the scheme well. I think he’s done a good job.”
Jordan has eight tackles, a sack and two passes defensed in seven games.
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