Saints Player Rankings: Star defensive end Cam Jordan comes in at No. 3
By Terry Kimble
In our Top 25 outlook on the New Orleans Saints roster, All-Pro defensive end Cam Jordan comes in at number 3 on our list.
When you reflect on the last decade of New Orleans Saints football, the name most likely to be synonymous with the Saints would be Drew Brees.
Not only is the quarterback position usually pegged as the face of the team in most cases, but they are viewed as the driving force for team success. Whether you feel like that’s right or wrong in a team sport is debatable.
Brees has certainly and rightfully laid claim to such a designation by his stellar play on the field, but there is another player who has been exceptional in his own right on the other side of the ball. It’s also the reason he is the highest-rated defensive player on the team on our list.
Cam Jordan is a model of consistency.
Since entering the league in 2011 as the 24th pick in the draft out of the University of California at Berkeley, Jordan has never missed a game in his career.
What’s more impressive is that Jordan seems to age like fine wine, he just gets better with time. Last season, his ninth in the NFL, saw Jordan record a career-high 15.5 sacks while also earning his 5th Pro Bowl selection in 9 seasons.
Jordan was recognized for his stellar play as NFL.COM named him to the 2010s All-Decade team. Jordan was the only Saints defensive player to make the list. Coincidentally, Brees himself did not make the list, being passed on by Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.
More of the same is to be expected of Jordan this upcoming season. As the anchor of the front line, Jordan will again be expected to be the primary pass rusher while also mentoring the young defensive end manning the other side in Marcus Davenport.
This is a critical year for Davenport, as his first 2 years have been marred by injury. If he can stay healthy, under Jordan’s tutelage this could be a breakout year from him.
Jordan is also a vocal leader in the locker room and very much respected around the league by his peers.
His number 3 ranking on our list solidifies his importance on and off the field. He is the best defensive player the New Orleans Saints have and clearly one of the most important voices within the organization.
Next. CBS ranks Brees NFL's Fourth Best QB. dark
Jordan’s average rank among our 12 writers was 3.4, coming in before linebacker Demario Davis at four and Alvin Kamara at five.