Miami Dolphins not giving up on defensive end Dion Jordan

If you ask a Miami Dolphins fan - preferably one who's of the younger variety - the definition of a draft bust, they would likely show you a picture of defensive end Dion Jordan. However, per the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson, a team source has stated that the organization is not yet willing to give up on the former 3rd overall pick.

The team is giving thought to hanging on to their 2013 first-round pick despite his apparent inability to significantly contribute as he was originally projected, and his propensity towards getting himself suspended makes the news that the Dolphins aren't actively looking to remove him even more shocking.

The Dolphins are also not trying to collect signing bonus money from Jordan despite the fact that he's been suspended for the entire 2015 season by the NFL after violating the league’s drug policy because of a diluted test, and this is one season after he was suspended for the first four games of 2014 for usage of PED's.

Jordan is a very talented player out of Oregon with a lot of versatility, and the only thing holding him back from being a superstar in the league is himself. So far, the only thing that's come into question about Jordan is his dedication to football, as he continues to find himself in situations where he loses opportunities to play.

It also doesn't help that players like Olivier Vernon and even Derrick Shelby have proven to be better players at defensive end, which hurts Jordan's chances of rising on the depth chart. 

Speculation has existed for quite some time now that a move to outside linebacker would in essence rejuvenate Jordan's already checkered career in the NFL, as it would allow his ability to cover tight ends to be on full display along with his ability to rush the passer standing up as he was known for doing at Oregon.

Jordan would have been a $5.3 million dollar hit against the salary cap this year, but his suspension for the season ensures that his salary and roster bonus will be voided, freeing up $2.3 million. However, the Dolphins are still on the hook for a $3 million cap hit for the pro-rated portion of Jordan's signing bonus.

Per Jackson's same report, the reason that Jordan has been absent from any offseason activities is because - according to an NFL spokesman - league rules say players who already have been suspended for the following season cannot participate in any offseason activities, including OTAs and minicamp. Jordan instead is forced to remain connected to the team via the Dolphins' director of player engagement Kaleb Thornhill.

There's still time for Jordan to get his act together and possibly live up to his potential, but he will have to make a strong and sincere effort to avoid taking the same route as Cleveland Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon, who is also a superstar talent, and is currently suspended indefinitely. 

If Jordan wants to avoid ending up like Gordon, he will have to straighten up and fly right, and hopefully this will be the wake-up call he needs to not only get his life together, but to become the superstar everyone expected him to become.

This story was written by Luis Sung. Follow him on Twitter: @FLSportDebater