Missouri Western’s Mike Jordan excited to chase NFL dream
When Missouri Western’s pro day workout began on March 24, cornerback Mike Jordan was not overwhelmed by the moment.
After all, his older brother Reggie — a tight end who went through the exact same process in 2014 — gave him a good idea of what to expect.
“He’s been in my ear telling me to be patient and remain confident throughout the process,” Jordan said. “As an athlete, you’re so eager to see what lies right in front of you, so eager to see what’s next because of how your life can change if you get to the NFL.”
Reggie went undrafted in 2014, but spent a few months with the Jacksonville Jaguars before his stint ended with an injury.
Mike says Reggie has been very encouraging as he attempts to go for his own NFL dream.
“Regardless of if I don’t get drafted, I’m confident I can make a team,” Jordan said. “I bring lot of versatility to the table, and I’m not like a lot of prima donna corners who won’t do certain things. I’m versatile, I can play safety. And I played almost every special team unit throughout college.”
Both those traits, especially the latter will serve him well in the NFL. He’s even blocked a kick in his career.
But make no mistake, it’s his physical traits that could give him a shot at being a late-round pick in this year’s draft. At 6 feet, 200 pounds, he has good size for the position, and his Pro Day numbers — he says he ran a 4.60 40-yard dash and posted a 37-inch vertical and a 10 feet, 7 inch broad jump — are solid.
What’s more, Jordan — a four-year starter — has the production to match those numbers. In 2015, he led the Griffons in interceptions (five), pass breakups (17) and passes defensed (22), the second-most in the nation.
Jordan got a chance to show his stuff at the East-West Shrine Game in January, which has led to an increasing amount of buzz.
“Athletically I know what I can do,” Jordan said. “But coming from a small school, it’s tough to get that attention. I knew it would come, but I didn’t know the volume of it.”
In the lead up to this year’s draft, which starts on April 28, Jordan said that he’s had a couple of private workouts with the Panthers and Lions and visited with the Rams. He’s so excited to find out where his career will take him, but he’s taking his brother’s advice to heart and simply enjoying the process, too.
“I’m confident that I will be drafted,” Jordan said. “Am I sure or certain? No. But as a late-round guy, it’s really a big toss up. All it takes is one team to fall in love with you.”
Terez A. Paylor: 816-234-4489, @TerezPaylor. Download Red Zone Extra, The Star’s Chiefs app.
Inside the 2016 NFL Draft: cornerbacks
From Sunday until the NFL Draft begins on April 28, The Star will take a daily look at each position.
Chiefs’ needs: The Chiefs lost their top corner last season, Sean Smith to the Raiders in free-agency, but they have a number of homegrown options. Their 2015 first-round pick, Marcus Peters, is the reigning NFL defensive rookie of the year, while a pair of recent third-round picks — Phillip Gaines and Steven Nelson — will compete for playing time on the other side. Safety Ron Parker proved to be a solid nickel last year, but the Chiefs could use more depth at corner and might invest another high pick at the position.
Sleeper: Minnesota’s Eric Murray has decent size (5 feet 11, 199) but is tough and competitive. He has a chance to make an impact as a late-round pick.
Local/area prospects:
Sam Brown, Missouri Western, 6-3, 170: Recorded 43 tackles, three interceptions and 13 pass breakups in 2015.
Kenya Dennis, Missouri, 6-0, 200: Finished 2015 with 35 tackles, an interception and seven pass breakups.
Deiondre’ Hall, Northern Iowa, 6-2, 199: Blue Springs graduate had 82 tackles, six interceptions and four pass breakups in 2015.
Mike Jordan, Missouri Western, 6-0, 200: Led the Griffons with five interceptions and led the MIAA with 22 passes defended.
Danzel McDaniel, Kansas State, 6-1, 205: Hard hitter who had 18 tackles and a pass breakup during an injury-shortened 2015 season.
Dino Teague, Pitt State, 6-0, 185: Recorded five picks in nine games in 2015 before his season was cut short because of a foot injury.
This story was originally published April 15, 2016 at 12:07 PM with the headline "Missouri Western’s Mike Jordan excited to chase NFL dream."