Cam Jordan
Summary
Cameron Jordan was selected in Round 1 (#24 Overall) in the 2011 Draft out of University of California. Jordan stands as one of the more complete edge defenders of his generation. His blend of pass‑rush production, run‑defense capability, technique, and leadership make him a model for the position. While physical decline and role shifts are real concerns as he enters the veteran phase of his career, his strengths still far outweigh his limitations. With proper usage, he still offers significant value and remains a cornerstone piece for his team’s defense.
Strengths
Elite pass‑rush production & durability: Jordan has consistently produced high sack totals, including a stretch averaging roughly 9 sacks per year over multiple seasons.His longevity and ability to stay on the field at a high level are rare for his position.
Run‑defense and two‑way ability: Along with being an edge rusher, Jordan is highly effective in setting the edge, defending the run and holding the point of attack. Early in his career he was identified as one of the best run‑stopping 4‑3 defensive ends. NFL.com
Hand technique, power and leverage: Scouts noted his excellent hand usage, ability to shed blocks and maintain leverage—qualities that allow him to win one‑on‑one battles.
Football IQ & leadership: As a veteran he offers strong leadership and situational awareness, which allows him to compensate for any athletic decline with savvy and positioning.
Weaknesses
Athletic decline / age‑related drop off: As Jordan has aged, some of his physical traits—explosiveness and speed—have diminished, which may reduce his ability to consistently beat elite offensive tackles. RotoWire
Less elite bend and edge‑speed compared to top pure rushers: Though very good, Jordan is not always able to consistently turn the corner like the fastest pass rushers, which can limit his ceiling in purely pass‑rush situations.
Limited role versatility in later years: While he has been a starter for most of his career, comments from analysts suggest that in recent seasons his role may shift more toward high‑leverage snaps rather than full‑time every down usage.
Strength versus bull‑rush/anchor situations early in career: In his earlier scouting profile, Jordan was noted to have “below‑average strength” in some arm‑tackle or bull rush battles.
Fit & Outlook
Cameron Jordan fits best as a foundational edge defender in a defense that asks him to do multiple things—rush the passer, set the edge against the run, and provide veteran leadership. With the Saints, he remains a key part of the front‑seven and likely will continue to have impact—especially in situations where his experience, technique and instincts compensate for any athletic drop‑off. Looking ahead, assuming he stays healthy and perhaps manages his snaps smartly, Jordan has strong value for the next two to three seasons. His floor is that of a high‑quality rotational or part‑time starter who can still deliver sacks and impact; his upside is that—even with age—he could remain among the top handful of edge defenders in his prime earlier years. Teams may lean on him more situationally (pass‑rush downs, key run‑defense moments) rather than full‑season every‑down, which may be a natural evolution for his career stage.