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Cameron Jordan

Top draft defensive end options for Patriots

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As we slowly get up to speed on the draft it looks like there are quite a few defensive end prospects that (in theory) fit the Patriots system.

Ideally what BB is going to want out of a idedefensive end if he’s going to take him at 17th overall is a big dude (6’ 4" +, 300+) who has long arms, can hold up at the point of attack, while also shifting inside on third down where he can push the pocket and cause chaos. A “three down player” is a buzz word if they’re going to take them in the first round.

Let’s start with the guy who tore up the Senior Bowl, Cameron Jordan. As you’ll see below Jordan is certainly active and provides a definite up-the-field presence. That will serve him better on passing downs that running downs, and he could definitely add some weight to his 288 pound frame. But he does have the height and length add the weight. It will be interesting to see what his strength is like at the combine.

Now let’s take a look at Cameron Heyward out of Ohio State. Heyward’s a little taller than Jordan and looks like he relies more on power than quickness. To me it looks like Heyward might be a little more stout (though he does need to add some weight) while also providing some bull rush. He’s definitely more in the Seymour mold than Jordan, but he is coming off elbow surgery so that must be taken into consideration as well.

Next up we have Muhammad Wilkerson. Wilkerson has been showing up in the Pats 28 slot in a lot of mock drafts. He’s also a favorite of Pats draft guru NEPatriotsDraft.com. Wilkerson seems a little more raw, and from the limited sample size of the footage above I wouldn’t exactly call him dominant. In my non-expert opinion he seems a tier below the Camerons.

Lastly we have JJ Watt out of Wisconsin. I just read one opinion today that Watt might be a little better fit for a 1-gap 3-4 defense like the Steelers, but he definitely has the size.

Although there’s far too much made out of combine performances it will certainly be interesting to see these guys’ numbers on a level playing field. Right now I’d have to say the Cameron’s are candidates for 17th overall, Watt and Wilkerson would be more likely at 28 or 33.

I’m of the opinion right now that the Pats need impact players, and if one of the Camerons is viewed as a three-down player I think it would be a slam dunk to take them at 17. 

My first 2011 Patriots draft binky: Cameron Jordan

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So it took a little over a week for me to develop a draft crush on a rookie prospect and here he is, Cameron Jordan, DL from Cal. The things that stand out to me about Jordan that make me think he’d be a great pick is that:

  • 3 down player, can play DE on run downs, then shift inside and rush the passer on third down.
  • 6’ 4", 300 with long arms and big hands.
  • Physical, relentless
  • good character

So basically everything that the Pats need/want he has. Now it’s just a matter of hoping he last till 17. Of course by the combine he could be considered a top ten pick, at which point I’d have to break up with him. That’s the thing about draft binkies. Get attached but don’t get too attached.

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“Some think he fits best at left defensive end in a four-man front. I also think he’d fit well as a defensive end in the 3-4. He has been very consistent over the first three days of practices.

"One of his greatest strengths is his hands. He has very active hands, very strong hands, and that makes it really hard for an offensive lineman to stick on the block. One of the things that separates the good defensive linemen from the great ones is the ability to counter when they don’t win with their first move, and he does an excellent job countering when he doesn’t win with his first move. He’s relentless, too. You’ll see him chasing running backs 40 yards down the field.

"Watching Jordan this week, one part that stood out was when he was going against Indiana offensive tackle James Brewer. At one point, he used not one swim move, but two swim moves, and ran right around Brewer before Brewer could get his hands on him.

"For the Patriots in their 3-4 defense, when you think of that 5-technique defensive end, you traditionally think of those players as mountains – tough and stout – which Jordan can be. But he also moves well for a guy with his size and build. So I see him as lining up at the 5-technique, stopping the run, and then staying on the field on third down and still getting to the quarterback from the tackle spot. The other part is that everything you hear about him is that he’s a great, great kid in terms of character.”

Steve Muench of Scouts Inc on Cameron Jordan.

Jordan is fast becoming my Patriots boo for 17th overall.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/some-think-he-fits-best-at-left-defensive-end-in/