Cameron Jordan Scouting Report
#15 DE, Cameron Jordan (6’4 280 lbs.) – California Golden Bears
Pass Rush Skills: Was a man amongst boys in college. Displays the power to overwhelm lineman at the point of attack, and the quickness to effectively work inside moves. Very disruptive. Has the most violent and active hands in the nation. Arm length is excellent. Gets in the backfield with a bevy of pass rushing moves. His most effective being the club, swim, and hook. Shows a nice counter spin back to the inside. Extremely athletic for his size. Isn’t a speed rusher. Despite his athleticism, he won’t threaten the edge with speed. Explosive off the snap. His hands and feet are moving before everyone else’s.
Versus the run: Played in 3-4 and 4-3 looks at Cal Berkeley. Has a wealth of experience playing 2 gaps. Very stout against the run. Is an immovable object at the point of attack. Has the strength to hold up against double teams. Plays with balance, leverage and exceptional technique. Keeps blockers at bay by extending his arms. Diagnosis the run quickly and sheds blockers immediately. Has the ability to make tackles, even with linemen draped on him. When asked to play 1 gap, he has enough burst to blow plays up in the backfield. Is a powerful tackler. Offers a nice thump upon contact. Plays with non-stop effort. Will chase down ball carriers and make plays from the back side.
Versatility: His ability to rush the passer as well as defend the run, which allows him to be scheme diverse. He can play the 5-technique in the 3-4, the 3-technique in Nickel situations in the 4-3, and power defensive end in the 4-3.
Instincts/Motor: Is beyond his years when it comes to awareness and instincts. Reads the run extremely well. Keeps his gap discipline and keeps contain to his side. One of the best motors in the nation. Plays through the whistle. Has no qualms about running down field to make a play from behind. Unrelenting when rushing the passer. Never quits after a failed move. Will continue to work linemen to get to the quarterback.
Intangibles: Was suspended for 2008 season opener after he was arrested for suspicion of DUI. Comes from strong bloodlines. His father, Steve Jordan, was a six-time Pro Bowl tight end during 13-year career with Vikings. 2010 1st Team All Pac-10. Teammates and coaches love him. Has a vibrant and sometimes goofy personality. Is a lunch pale type of worker.
Overall Stock: Cameron Jordan is one of my favorite players in the draft. His versatility will make him dangerous at the next level. Teams that are looking for a 3-down lineman, they’ll have to look no further than Jordan. His best fit is in the 3-4 at the 5-technique. He has the girth to sit in his stance and shut down the run. I think he’ll get the nod over some defensive line players because of his ability to make plays in the backfield. On defense, the NFL is all about creating negative plays, and Jordan excels at that. This years draft is deep with defensive linemen, but Jordan has the ability to be a top 10 pick. If Jordan’s name is called in the top 10 picks, remember us for our prediction.
NFL Comparison: Darnell Dockett