Dion

Jordan

The seven-year veteran has worked out with the Niners twice, mostly recently after Week 1. The 49ers -- who on Sunday lost defensive linemen Nick Bosa and Solomon Thomas to injuries -- are desperate for defensive line help. The team is expected to activate DE Dion Jordan from the practice squad this week. We could see Ansah suit up for the Niners in their Week 3 game against the Giants.

Nick Bosa is expected to play Week 1, leaving Jordan off the initial 53-man roster. The former No. 3 overall pick is a rotational option who is likely ring chasing at this point of his career.

The No. 3 overall pick of the 2013 draft by the Dolphins, Jordan has carved out a role as a rotational edge rusher and will look to make the Niners’ 53-man roster behind Dee Ford and Nick Bosa. Jordan notched two sacks across seven games for the Raiders last season after serving a 10-week suspension. A total bust for Miami, Jordan has 10.5 career sacks in 50 games. He turned 30 this offseason.

The Dolphins’ all-in offseason continues. Jordan (6-foot-6 1/4, 248) was a versatile “Joker” in Chip Kelly’s Ducks defenses, playing end and linebacker and covering slot receivers on passing downs. He tallied 29 career tackles for loss, 14.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles. Jones ran like a receiver at the Combine, clearing forty yards in 4.6-flat with a 1.57 ten-yard split and 10-foot-2 broad jump. He’s a highly explosive, fluid athlete whom Rotoworld draft guru Josh Norris likens to former five-time Pro Bowler Julian Peterson. Jordan has also drawn comparisons to another former Miami sack artist, Jason Taylor. Look for the Dolphins to complete the trade for Chiefs LT Branden Albert Friday.

If the Chiefs and Jags select tackles Eric Fisher and Luke Joeckel, the scramble for pass rushers is going to be on. The Eagles, Lions and Browns are all interested in the position and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Wednesday that Cleveland wants to get up for LSU DE/OLB Barkevious Mingo. They could also be looking at Oregon’s Dion Jordan. The rebuilding Raiders could trade back and possibly still get the best 4-3 defensive tackle available, Florida’s Sharrif Floyd.

Jordan is wrapping up his 10-game suspension for violating the league’s PED policy, but he’ll be eligible to play in Week 11 for Oakland. The Raiders are in the playoff hunt despite below-average pressure rates, so this is a good dart throw signing for all involved. This may be the last chance for the 29-year-old defensive end.

Jordan claims the suspension was triggered by Adderall, which is by far the most common PED excuse in the NFL. Jordan says he had a therapeutic use exemption that he accidentally allowed to lapse, though he also admits he continued to take the drug once he knew his “TUE” had expired. He failed three separate tests last winter. The Seahawks gave Jordan a golden second opportunity in 2017-18, but he was continually slowed by injury. He ended up with just 5.5 sacks across 17 games. Although still only 29, Jordan has just about washed himself out of the league.

The Dolphins took a similar approach with Ryan Tannehill, though he was picked five spots lower than Jordan at No. 8. Offset language only comes into play if a first-round pick is waived before the conclusion of his rookie contract. The releasing team is typically on the hook for all of the player’s remaining salary, though some teams insist on language that requires the claiming team to foot the bill, thus preventing “double dipping” by the waived player. It figures to be a big point of contention in Jordan’s contract talks, especially since the Dolphins traded up nine spots to get him. There’s no reason he should have to agree to it. No. 5 pick Ziggy Ansah’s contract includes no offset language.

Jordan played some linebacker and slot corner at Oregon, but he’s going to be Miami’s base 4-3 right end. While Jordan is athletic and versatile to move around the formation, he was drafted to rush the quarterback in the old Jason Taylor role. IDP owners don’t have to worry about Jordan being listed as a linebacker.

“He’s two years away from being an Aldon Smith-type player,” Mayock said of Jordan. “He’s got frightening athletic skills. He’d be a situational pass rusher year one.” Smith was a situational pass rusher in his first NFL season, as well. Truly an athletic freak at 6-foot-7, 230, Jordan is Mayock’s top-rated outside linebacker prospect for the 2013 draft. A full rundown of Mayock’s rankings are accessible at the link below.