The city of IndianapolisLast season, Jordan Burch was Oregon’s most disruptive defender, and he wants to demonstrate improved speed before the NFL draft.
The 6-foot-6 defensive end for the Ducks claimed to have lost about 280 pounds. Burch’s goal was to run the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds at the NFL combine, and he was listed at 295 last season at UO. That ranks closer to outside linebackers than actual defensive ends and would have tied for fifth place among edge rushers at last year’s combine.
In contrast, last year’s 40-second time was 4.85 for former Oregon defensive lineman Brandon Dorlus (6-foot-3, 283 pounds) and 4.95 for former Missouri defensive end Darius Robinson (6-foot-5, 286 pounds), who was selected in the first round by the Arizona Cardinals.
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Burch believes his quickness is underestimated, even though he admits that his get-off might be better. Despite his 31 tackles (11 for loss), 8.5 sacks, six pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 10 games last season, he led the Big Ten in sacks per game.
Burch remarked, “I believe some people sleep on it a little bit.” I have many movements at my disposal. I can mix them around when necessary, but I often go to the ones that work 95% of the time.
Burch is most at ease as a true end in a four-down front, but he is willing to put weight back on if picked by a team that wants him to play more inside on the defensive line.
Playing inside isn’t really a difficulty for me; it’s similar to playing on the edge; I can do it the same way you taught it, Burch remarked. I don’t really care about it. I believe I can succeed in the league because I accomplished it at Oregon.
One of Burch’s final opportunities to demonstrate his skills on the field prior to the draft will be at the combine. He claimed to have suffered a grade 1 ankle sprain versus Maryland in early November, which is why he withdrew from last month’s Senior Bowl. However, he still intends to participate in all workouts and position drills this week.
According to Burch, he met formally this week with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Dallas Cowboys.
Burch thinks he’s a strong and intriguing player in his own right and intends to prove it this week in a draft class of edge rushers led by Abdul Carter of Penn State.
Burch remarked, “I feel like I bring power and I’m a bigger guy.” I’m the person to call if you need a bigger guy on your team.
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–The Oregon Ducks and Big Ten are covered by James Crepea. Get the Ducks Roundup email or listen to the Ducks Confidential podcast.
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