2013 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Predicting the First 10 Selections

2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dion Jordan, OLB, Oregon

Nov 12, 2011; Stanford CA, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end Dion Jordan (96) lines up before a play against the Stanford Cardinal during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Oregon defeated Stanford 53-30. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports

The Jaguars weren’t supposed to have a bad defense in 2012, as they were sixth in total defense in 2011. However, it became apparent early on that the Jaguars had tons of holes on the line, and, well, everywhere on defense.

With a defensive-minded coach in Gus Bradley, the Jaguars are going to try to upgrade their horrific defense, one that ranked 30th in total defense in 2012. The Jaguars somehow mustered just 20 sacks in 2012 (J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans recorded 20.5 sacks alone in 2012). Jacksonville will definitely look for a pass rusher, and Jordan is an athletic player who can fit the bill.

While Jordan only recorded five sacks in 2012, he can hurry the quarterback, and he has the athletic ability to get by lineman and get to the quarterback. ESPN’s Todd McShay sees Jordan as the best edge pass rusher in the draft, and that’s exactly what the Jaguars want. Even though fans are clamoring for a quarterback, the real issue is the pass rush, and Jordan would help solve that issue.

Jarvis Jones from Georgia, who recorded a remarkable 14.5 sacks in 2012, could be picked here as well, but Jordan has done better in pre-draft workouts and appears to be the ideal fit for a coach that worked very well with playmakers in Seattle, where he was the defensive coordinator. Both would work in Jacksonville, and it’s hard to go wrong with these two spectacular prodigies. However, Jordan has the athleticism and the versatility to succeed, and the Jaguars don’t want to miss out on him.

Would he swoop in and save the franchise? No. Would he help the pass rush and the defense? Yes.