The Philadelphia Eagles began their defensive makeover in earnest on Monday, stripping the roster of defensive linemen Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson. They won't be the final players sent packing, meaning the Eagles are looking to add bodies.
Finding a pass rusher is an obvious need for Philly. New coach Chip Kelly isn't saying what the team might do with the fourth overall draft pick, but a reunion with Oregon's Dion Jordan sounds like a possibility.
"Dion's just a special guy in my heart," Kelly recently told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I had an opportunity to be with him for five years. He came into Oregon as a receiver, moved to tight end, we switched him over to defense the beginning of his sophomore year. He just had a huge impact, not only on the field but off the field."
At 6-foot-6, 248 pounds, Jordan must add pounds, but NFL Network's Mike Mayock sees him as a "raw Aldon Smith." Florida defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd is another option for the Eagles at No. 4, but Jordan would serve as an intriguing weapon at outside linebacker in Philly's likely switch to a 3-4 front.
Jordan also brings speed to the mix. After running the 40-yard dash in 4.60 seconds on Monday, whether or not he's set for a reunion with Kelly, Jordan certainly is gaining traction a potential top-10 pick.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
