The New Orleans Saints need to find an heir apparent to quarterback Drew Brees. Cameron Jordan would like to see Lamar Jackson receivie the opportunity.
As Lamar Jackson prepares for the 2018 NFL Draft, few know what to expect of where his career is taking him. Some critics believe that he should be a wide receiver, while others are of the belief that his dynamic college career can translate to the highest level.
While it’s unclear if the organization shares the sentiment, one of the most recognizable players on the New Orleans Saints is doing his best to help Jackson secure a first-round grade.
Jackson won the Heisman Trophy award in 2016 and produced another historic season in 2017. There are questions about his slight frame and inaccuracy on short and intermediate throws, but many believe that the cure could be spending time behind an established veteran.
In a recent appearance on NFL Total Access, Saints star Cameron Jordan made a quiet plea for New Orleans to select Lamar Jackson as Drew Brees’ heir apparent.
"“If you’re looking for an heir apparent, maybe give him the Aaron Rodgers treatment. Let him learn from the best for a couple years and then send him on. But I’m not putting here nor there, I’m just simply saying,” Jordan said before immediately mouthing Lamar Jackson.“No, I’m saying Sheldon Rankins is from Louisville,” Jordan said in a playful cover-up attempt."
It’s all fun and games, but in jest there’s truth, and Jordan’s comments about Jackson may in fact reflect whom he’d like to see the franchise select.
Jackson certainly makes sense for the Saints in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. New Orleans has loaded up on talent on both sides of the ball, but has a somewhat pressing need for a quarterback who can one day replace Brees.
Brees is still one of the best in the business, but he’s also 39 years old and preparing to enter his 18th season in the NFL.
Even if Brees continues to play at an elite level, the future of the Saints will need to be in the hands of a younger alternative.
Jackson may not be fundamentally polished, but he’s an explosive athlete with a cannon for an arm. With Brees’ guidance, leadership, and tutelage, he could address those flaws and prepare himself for a career in the NFL.
With the likes of Mark Ingram, Alvin Kamara, and Michael Thomas at his disposal, Jackson would certainly have the skill players around him to make a smooth transition.
The question is: Will the New Orleans Saints make Lamar Jackson the successor to superstar quarterback Drew Brees?