Everyone expected the Dolphins to trade up and take one of the three left tackles at the top of the draft.
The Dolphins traded up , but not for a tackle. Dion Jordan of Oregon, one of the premier edge rushers in this year’s draft, was their target and the Dolphins took him with the third overall pick of the draft.
Jordan has drawn comparisons to former Dolphins pass rusher Jason Taylor and should look awfully good lining up on the opposite side of the line from Cameron Wake. In an AFC East where you’re chasing Tom Brady and the Patriots, getting after the quarterback is vital and the Dolphins just made a big move to improve their chances of doing it.
The Raiders received the 12th and 42nd overall picks from the Dolphins in the deal. That leaves a big question for Miami, namely whether or not they’ve used up their capital for a Branden Albert trade. The Chiefs were thought to be interested in that 42nd pick, the higher of two Dolphins picks in the second round, and if that deal falls by the wayside the Dolphins will be forced to look for tackle help elsewhere.