Top 10 New Orleans Saints to watch at training camp: No. 5, Cam Jordan

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The recent recipient of a brand new generous contract extension, New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan must prove that he is worth the investment.  He’s showed what he’s capable of doing in the past, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2013 after leading the club in sacks with 12.5.  The organization would go on to exercise his fifth-year option.

However, 2014 would be less productive.  While Jordan remained a powerhouse in the run-stuffing department, he would see double teams, which led to less pressure, fewer quarterback takedowns, and eventually criticism from some local fans and media.

Cam Jordan’s abilities as a force along the defensive front are indisputable, but it’s tough when you’re the target of every offensive line you match up against.  Consistency is key, and the Saints’ 2011 first-round pick has done nothing but bring it, all without ever missing a game in his four-year career.  Now that’s hard to find.

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Sure, he could have had a better outing a season ago after predicting a 16-sack campaign but coming away with not even half of that.  “I’d like to average one (sack) a game,” Cam Jordan said in an interview last offseason.  However, earlier this month he tweeted that he has learned his lesson about setting such elevated goals.

That’s a good approach — do your talking on the field.  Jordan will look to have his most productive year yet in the Big Easy, a city where he is now inked to play through the 2020 season and is guaranteed over $33 million as part of a 5-year/$55M contract with $16M in signing bonuses.

Given his explosive capabilities off the line, and hopefully a boost at the nose tackle position after a splash in the draft and free agent market, Cam Jordan certainly has the opportunity to reclaim his glory as the New Orleans Saints’ leading pass rusher and one of the better NFL defensive ends.

The Saints and Cam Jordan kick off their first day of training camp July 30 at The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia.  The one-time Pro Bowl pass rusher looks to get back on top, beginning next week, as one of the more intriguing summer prospects.

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