The Miami Dolphins feel somewhat complete after getting first round pick Dion Jordan on the field for practice, as the star has not been around for organized team activities, minicamp and the start of training camp because of shoulder surgery and now he is finally back and ready to go.
According to ESPN.com, Jordan was in pads and was fully dressed and while he didn't participate in all drills, the Dolphins have been happy with his progress. The team sees him and Cameron Wake as a tag team of sorts on the line and the defense is expected to improve with his addition.
The team was worried after the number three overall pick hasn't signed his rookie contract and while he is confident that a deal will get done before training camp, there is a chance that he could holdout if the team plays hardball on a contract. Jordan said that he expects the contract to be signed by Saturday when he comes to training camp, but since the deal is not finalized, it could force him to stay away at first.
Jordan said a deal is in place and needs to get finished, but since the past two Dolphins first round picks held out, the team knows it could go the other way. Jordan was one of the top picks in the draft and was considered one of the best defensive players in the entire class and the team traded up with the Oakland Raiders to select him. Jordan had injury issues coming out of college at Oregon, but he said that he will be ready for the season and he could help overhaul a defense that was suspect last year.
The team is excited for year 2 with Ryan Tannehill at quarterback and after adding Mike Wallace to the offense and re-signing Brian Hartline, the team could be one to surprise out in the AFC east. The team lost Sean Smith in free agency at corner, but signed Brent Grimes to replace him and along the offense there are new faces as well after Reggie Bush left. Lamar Miller will be the staring back over Daniel Thomas and he is considered one of the fastest players in the league and that could help get the team more consistent on offense.
Jake Long is gone from the offensive line and with Jonathan Martin and Tyson Clabo in the fold, things could be tough at first as the team gets acclimated to new players. Last season the Dolphins went 7-9 and showed signs of getting better and now will be the true test if they improved this offseason. The team ranked 26th in passing and 17th in rushing yards per game and both need to get better for the team to challenge the Pats in the division.
Miami traded up with the Oakland Raiders to get Jordan after moving up from number 12 and since they moved up, Jordan has more leverage to keep out the language to get his deal guaranteed. Wallace's contract has language to offset his guaranteed money and the Dolphins will likely stay in on their position with Jordan, especially since he is coming off an injury. The big point will be whether Jordan wants to get into camp on time and that could get him to sign.
