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Updated: April 21, 2011, 1:21 PM
Draft Rundown
Jordan A Difference-Maker On D-Line?
Josh Ellis
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Playing end in a 3-4, Jordan tallied six sacks in each of his final two seasons at Cal.
(Editor's Note: Leading into the upcoming NFL Draft, which will be held April 28-30, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at several draft prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is California DL Cameron Jordan.)
Name: Cameron Jordan
Position: Defensive Lineman
College: California
Height/Weight: 6-4/287
Age: 21
Did You Know? Jordan's father, Steve, went to six Pro Bowls over a 13-year career with the Minnesota Vikings, from 1982-94.
Strengths: For a player with his size, Jordan is incredibly quick and explosive. He is able to use his large hands to fight off blocks and get into the backfield, and has enough power to anchor if he is beaten at the snap. He is able to affect the passing game even when he doesn't get to the quarterback, showing a great knack for batting down passes and reading screens and dump offs. Played similar to former teammate Tyson Alualu, who was drafted No. 10 overall by Jacksonville last year.
Weaknesses: He will likely need to add some good weight, though his body is well-proportioned already. Doesn't have the strength to overpower offensive linemen, forcing him to instead rely on his moves and quickness.
Sound Bites: On Alualu's influence on him while in college: "Tyson was my mentor coming in and was the guy I wanted to emulate the most when I got to Cal. He taught me how to work hard. He doesn't complain much. He doesn't say too many words. And when he speaks, everybody listens. It was the respect I wanted so bad. I strived every day for that respect."
Where He's Headed: After dominating at the Senior Bowl, Jordan has been projected to go off the board by at least the middle of the first round.
How He Helps the Cowboys: If the team projects Jordan as a true playmaker on the defensive line, he could go at No. 9. However, the Cowboys have given reason to believe in recent years that they don't value the position highly, so it seems more likely that he would be considered in the event of a trade downward.
Draft Rundown
Jordan A Difference-Maker On D-Line?
Josh Ellis
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
Playing end in a 3-4, Jordan tallied six sacks in each of his final two seasons at Cal.
(Editor's Note: Leading into the upcoming NFL Draft, which will be held April 28-30, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at several draft prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is California DL Cameron Jordan.)
Name: Cameron Jordan
Position: Defensive Lineman
College: California
Height/Weight: 6-4/287
Age: 21
Did You Know? Jordan's father, Steve, went to six Pro Bowls over a 13-year career with the Minnesota Vikings, from 1982-94.
Strengths: For a player with his size, Jordan is incredibly quick and explosive. He is able to use his large hands to fight off blocks and get into the backfield, and has enough power to anchor if he is beaten at the snap. He is able to affect the passing game even when he doesn't get to the quarterback, showing a great knack for batting down passes and reading screens and dump offs. Played similar to former teammate Tyson Alualu, who was drafted No. 10 overall by Jacksonville last year.
Weaknesses: He will likely need to add some good weight, though his body is well-proportioned already. Doesn't have the strength to overpower offensive linemen, forcing him to instead rely on his moves and quickness.
Sound Bites: On Alualu's influence on him while in college: "Tyson was my mentor coming in and was the guy I wanted to emulate the most when I got to Cal. He taught me how to work hard. He doesn't complain much. He doesn't say too many words. And when he speaks, everybody listens. It was the respect I wanted so bad. I strived every day for that respect."
Where He's Headed: After dominating at the Senior Bowl, Jordan has been projected to go off the board by at least the middle of the first round.
How He Helps the Cowboys: If the team projects Jordan as a true playmaker on the defensive line, he could go at No. 9. However, the Cowboys have given reason to believe in recent years that they don't value the position highly, so it seems more likely that he would be considered in the event of a trade downward.
