BY NICK ST. DENIS
The Miami Dolphins traded up to the No. 3 overall pick in last year's draft to take defensive end Dion Jordan, only to watch Jordan play in spot duty for much of the 2013 season.
This year, the general manager that didn't draft him is set on making the Oregon product a success.
"He’s a very talented player and this is a big offseason for him," Dolphins first-year GM Dennis Hickey told WQAM radio Tuesday, via The Palm Beach Post. "Last year with his shoulder he didn’t have an opportunity to have a full offseason.
"That’s so important. Developing and getting your body — not just the physical reps but the mental reps — getting in the weight room and all those things is such an important part to get these guys ready to make that jump."
Jordan was rumored to have been dangling in the trade arena last month, but the team reportedly turned down offers, most notably from the Philadelphia Eagles, a team led by Jordan's former college coach Chip Kelly.
The then-23-year-old amassed just two sacks and 16 tackles in 16 games last year while second-year end linebacker Olivier Vernon emerged opposite star defensive end Cameron Wake. The Dolphins will have to find a way to get Jordan involved beyond specialty pass-rush situations, and much of that may simply have to do with Jordan's bulking up.
"We’re excited about Dion going forward and having a great offseason and looking for big things from him," Hickey said.
Follow Nick @NickStDenis
Follow AFC East Daily @AFCEastDaily
