In recent years, Miami has maintained its historic reputation in the NFL at the tight end position with the likes of Chris Herndon, Jimmy Graham, and David Njoku carrying the torch from Miami greats such as Jeremy Shockey, Bubba Franks, and recently retired Greg Olsen, (as well as another recently convicted alum, unfortunately).

Driving the next wave of great Miami tight ends is Brevin Jordan, who hopes to be the second player selected at the position later this week. As the U’s lineage of great tight ends continues, Miami also features a strong contingent in Coral Gables currently with the likes of Will Mallory, Elijah Arroyo, Dominic Mammarelli, and soon will add Kahlil Brantley to campus. Thus, Jordan has an opportunity to launch the next circuit of players to the NFL to represent the one and only “TEU.”

Below is analysis of Jordan’s draft profile.

EDGE Brevin Jordan Draft Snapshot:

2021 NFL Draft Ranking* - 91st Overall, TE4

(Position Ranking based on composite average of 50 big boards)
Height: 6’02.5” (13th Percentile)
Weight: 247-pounds (32nd Percentile)
Hand: 9 3⁄4 inch (54th Percentile)
Arm: 32 7/8 inch (43rd Percentile)
Wing: 79 1⁄4 inch

Pro Football Focus (PFF) Grades
- Overall 2018 PFF Grade: 61.6, 647 Snaps, 432 In-Line Snaps, 168 Slot Snaps
- Overall 2019 PFF Grade: 70.9, 478 Snaps, 319 In-Line Snaps, 122 Slot Snaps
- Overall 2020 PFF Grade: 74.1, 458 Snaps, 107 In-Line Snaps, 261 Slot Snaps

Pro Day Results:

Vertical: 31-inch (22nd Percentile)
Bench Press: 17 reps (28th Percentile)
Broad Jump: 9’8” (51st Percentile)
40-yard: 4.69 (65th Percentile)
Shuttle: 4.50 (75th Percentile)
3-Cone: 7.57

Background:

Carrying On His Father’s Legacy

Coming out of Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas, NV), Brevin Jordan was deemed the highest ranked tight end prospect as a four-star product according to the 247Sports Composite ranking - even ahead of Florida’s Kyle Pitts.

However, his matriculation and acclimation to the University of Miami did not come without heightened adversity. Prior to his freshman season, Jordan’s father, Darrell, tragically passed away from a heart attack. Darrell, who also played football and was a linebacker at Bishop Gorman High School and was a ninth round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 1990, was indubitably a primary reason for Brevin’s admiration for football from birth. Of note, Brevin was playing in the 8-year old football division by the time he was 5-years old. Darrell also played a role in helping Brevin with the college selection process as he selected Miami over strong consideration of schools like Michigan and UCLA.

As it relates to his success in the NFL, Jordan indicated in an NFL Network interview with Andrew Siciliano how he wants to carry on his late father’s legacy and “play” in the NFL. That is, Brevin noted that his dad was drafted but never really saw action in the league.

As far as his high school tenure, Brevin made the switch from wide receiver to tight end his sophomore year on his way to eventually becoming a captain senior year and continuing Bishop Gorman’s winning ways with nine straight state championships. He also ran track in high school (100 meter dash in 11.84s). Brevin has also made an impact in recruiting Bishop Gorman alum to play for the U as both Bubba Bolden and Tate Martell ended up transferring to the U.

Player Profile:

Despite the off-field obstacles and inherent challenges of acclimating to college football, Jordan thrived as a full-time starter his true freshman year.

As TE1 in 2018, Jordan had the second most receptions (32) on the team, only trailing Jeff Thomas (35). After building up rapport his freshman year with two QBs, N’Kosi Perry and Malik Rosier - which included a game-winning TD against FSU from Perry - Miami ended up awarding the starting job to Jarren Williams during the 2019 season. Jordan’s productivity remained the same as he was second in receiving yards with 495 yards, only behind Minnesota Viking, KJ Osborn. Finally, this past season, Jordan had to adjust to a new QB again in D’Eriq King, as well as an entirely new offense under Rhett Lashlee’s spread formation. Again, Jordan proved capable in any system as he had his best season and was second in both receptions (38) and receiving yards (576) while only playing eight games, only trailing Mike Harley on the team.

Even though Miami’s success and organizational chart varied, Jordan’s productivity remained a constant as he earned first or second team All-ACC honors in all three seasons, and the success ultimately resulted in his early draft declaration. However, Jordan missed three games in each of the last two seasons due to an ankle injury and shoulder sprain, respectively. He also missed one game his freshman season.

Jordan proved most capable on intermediate routes as he recorded eight receptions on 11 targets for 3 TDs on plays of 10-19 yards in 2020. His QB had a 154.4 passer rating on that stem of the route tree and he recorded an impressive 83.5 PFF pass grade. Jordan strung together 9.3 yards after the catch per reception and compiled 365 yards total which led all 2020 FBS tight ends.

Jordan also showed decent contested catchability and a strong proclivity to break tackles. The most notable avoided tackle being an impressive play where he hurdled a Louisville defender this past season. Overall, Jordan is a lethal, athletic target who is not only able to track the ball in coverage as a reliable option for passers, but also exhibits sound body control through traffic. He is a natural playmaker, especially once he gets the ball in hands. In fact, many have compared his body type and the way he moves with the ball to that of a larger RB - similar to the versatile, new age style tight end that can line up in-line, slot, outside, or in the backfield.

As to his run-blocking ability, Jordan registered a 62.5 PFF grade in 2020. He shows a better skillset when blocking in the open field as opposed to at the line of scrimmage, which goes hand-in-hand with his smaller frame relative to other tight ends. This may result in difficulties at a hard-to-learn position against NFL defenders. However, Jordan recently emphasized how much blocking lethal EDGE guys such as 2021 prospects Jaelan Phillips, Gregory Rousseau, and Quincy Roche in practices has sharpened his skills.

Jordan was “very disappointed” in his Pro Day results as his only drilled that ranked above the 60th Percentile at his position was the 40-yard dash. Thankfully, some analysts have said the Pro Day plays less than 1% in the overall player evaluation, and this is especially true for a player like Jordan who has ample game tape. In closing remarks at the Pro Day media session, Jordan noted that, despite the disappointment, “you play the next play and it’s time to focus on some real football.”

Strengths/Positives

• Natural Athleticism
• Passionate Teammate and Leader (Played in Cheez-It Bowl despite opt-out trend in FBS)
• Has Unmatched Speed relative to other Tight Ends (almost like a Running Back)
• Playmaker with the ball in his hands
• Only 20 Years Old on Draft Day

Weaknesses/Negatives

• Smaller Frame for Tight End (6’2.5”, 247lbs), especially as to Blocking and Catch Radius
• Injury History - at least one game missed per season
• Below Average Pro Day Results

Best NFL Fits: Bengals, Bills, Jaguars, Titans, Vikings, Panthers, Cardinals, Seahawks
NFL Comparisons: Jonnu Smith, Aaron Hernandez

Bottom Line:

Jordan showed an ability to thrive in multiple offensive schemes at the college level, even with significant turnover at the QB position. However, the media expert draft grades have been extremely varied as it relates to Jordan in what has been an abnormal, pandemic-driven draft process. After Pitts, the tight end position is wide open and could be prone to a lull after Pitts’ selection.

To that end, even though Jordan has been considered the TE2 by some experts, he received a lowly 4th-5th round grade from ESPN NFL Draft guru, Mel Kiper Jr. The broad range includes a second round grade from former NFL GM, Mike Tannenbaum, but he believes Jordan could have improved his grade even more if he played another season at the U.

If Jordan’s college success is any indication of NFL success, he should have the chance to prove the doubters wrong and could indeed be a steal if he slips during the mid-rounds. Nevertheless, Jordan said after his Pro Day, “Any organization that’s willing to take a chance on me, I’m going to step to the plate.”

Draft Night Projection: (2nd to 4th Round)

3rd Round to the Tennessee Titans. The Titans recently lost Jonnu Smith to free agency as the Swiss Army knife type tight end inked a 4-year, $50M deal with the Patriots. In turn, the Titans now have a need at the tight end slot and coincidentally Jordan has been commonly compared to Smith. He would fit in smoothly in an offense that features Ryan Tannehill’s passing style and run-heavy formation with Derrick Henry. Jordan has been reported to have consistently heard from the Packers, 49ers, Seahawks, Chiefs, and Cowboys - the 49ers and Chiefs of which he would be a valuable asset featured in a two-TE set with Kittle and Kelce, respectively.