This series was created a number of years ago in response to questions about why certain well-known prospects went unselected in NFL drafts. For these articles, I reach out to sources with NFL teams to find out why their organizations passed on drafting a given player, and/or, what were the reasons for other teams to pass on that prospect. The positive response to “Why Undrafted” and questions from readers about why prospects were drafted lower than the media expectations led us to create the parallel series “Why the Slide?”
Both series are back this year. Feel free to email me requests for Why the Slide? and Why Undrafted? at [email protected]. I can’t promise to get to all of them, but I will do my best and definitely will respond to the email.
While Kyle Pitts was the star tight end of the 2020 college football season, there were others who produced really good years as well. Among them was Miami’s Brevin Jordan, who put together solid numbers and was a mismatch weapon for quarterback D’Eriq King. Jordan turned 38 receptions into 576 yards and seven touchdowns in 2020 while splitting tight end targets with Will Mallory. The 2021 NFL Draft was not strong at the tight end position, so it was surprising when Jordan slipped to the fifth round, as many expected him to be a third- or early fourth-round pick.
NFL sources shared that teams had some concerns about Jordan translating to the next level. He lacks standout size at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds and is lacks special speed. They had concerns about his hands, and that skill set worries were somewhat validated by his pro day, which was described as average at best. Those things combined are why Jordan slipped to the back half of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Houston Texans ended Jordan’s slide, which was a good landing spot for him as the team has a wide-open depth chart at tight end. Former third-round picks Jordan Aikens – 2018 – and Kahale Warring – 2019 – have disappointed thus far and were picks by Bill O’Brien. The new general manager and coaching staff will have no problem cutting an O’Brien draft pick because none of those failures are their fault.
Additionally, Brevin Jordan could easily beat Aikens and Warring out once he spends some time adjusting to the NFL. Whether the Texans are starting Deshaun Watson, Tyrod Taylor or Davis Mills at quarterback, Jordan could provide a better and more consistent receiving option at tight end. It would not be surprising if Jordan quickly develops into an upgrade at tight end for Houston and is at least a solid rotational player.
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