2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jamaree Caldwell

Caldwell didn’t perform as well as expected during athletic testing, but that’s less concerning for nose tackles than for other positions. The tape shows that he possesses above-average athleticism for his size. For nose tackles, RAS can be misleading because they are being grouped with 295-pound three techniques. A score of 3.41 puts him on par with or better than most true-nose tackles.

Background

Jamaree Caldwell was a 0-star and unranked recruit after playing offensive line in high school. He almost quit football before beginning his collegiate career at Hutchinson Community College and spent one season at Independence Community College before transferring to Houston for the 2022 season. 

Caldwell first burst onto the scene during his time at Houston, where he lined up primarily as a 5-tech and even saw snaps outside the tackle. At 6'2" and 342 pounds, his rare combination of size, mobility, and power immediately stood out. It was impressive to see someone of his stature move so fluidly, which caught the attention of scouts and coaches alike.

After transferring to Oregon, the coaching staff made the smart decision to transition him to nose tackle full-time, where his unique traits could truly shine. The results have been nothing short of dominant, as Caldwell became an anchor in the middle of the Ducks' defense, consistently wrecking opposing run games and creating chaos at the line of scrimmage.

Caldwell didn’t just rely on his physical gifts—he worked tirelessly to refine his technique and build his game from the ground up. While his college stats might not jump off the page, the impact he made on the field was undeniable. NFL teams have taken notice, and he’s firmly on the radar as one of the most disruptive nose tackles in the 2025 draft class.

Strengths:

• Size and Power: Caldwell’s massive frame and raw power make it almost impossible to move him off his spot. He consistently holds his ground against double teams and often splits them to make plays himself.
• Mobility for Size: For a 342-pound lineman, Caldwell moves exceptionally well. His ability to work laterally down the line of scrimmage sets him apart from typical nose tackles.
• Anchor Ability: He sinks his hips and maintains a low center of gravity, making it incredibly difficult for offensive linemen to uproot him.
• Surprising Pass Rush Potential: Caldwell’s power to collapse the pocket from the inside is impressive, and his quick, violent hands help him disengage from blockers. 
• Motor and Effort: Plays with a relentless motor, even when the play moves away from him. He’s constantly fighting to shed blocks and stay in the mix.
• Natural Leverage: Because of his shorter stature, he plays with natural leverage and is able to get under the pads of offensive linemen.

Weaknesses:

• Short Arms: His arm length could limit his ability to consistently disengage from blockers at the next level. 
• Conditioning Concerns: Caldwell carries extra weight in his midsection, and his conditioning sometimes shows up late in games. This leads to a higher pad level and less consistent leverage.
• Pass Rush Technique: Though he’s shown flashes of pass-rushing ability, his overall technique in that area needs refinement. NFL teams may view him as a two-down player initially.

Final Thoughts and Bears Fit for Jamaree Caldwell

Watching Caldwell’s tape is like witnessing a one-man wrecking crew up the middle. Whether it’s holding his ground against double teams or blowing up run plays single-handedly, his presence is undeniable. Oregon made the right call moving him inside to nose tackle, as his skill set is perfectly suited for that role.

Standing at 6’2” and weighing 342 pounds, he has the ideal size for a nose tackle, and he uses it well to take on blockers and clog up running lanes. His ability to eat up space while also creating disruption is exactly what NFL teams look for in a two-gap nose tackle. His upper body strength is a huge asset, allowing him to anchor against double teams and walk centers and guards into the backfield to collapse the pocket. This aids the edge rushers by giving quarterbacks nowhere to step up.

 What really catches my eye is his explosiveness off the line. He has the build of a classic 2-gap nose tackle but can also shift gears and play like a 1-gapper when needed. His lateral agility and active hands during the rush are solid. While his pass-rush skills are still a work in progress, his raw power and surprising burst make me believe he has the potential to be more than just a run-stuffer. 

From a scheme fit perspective, Caldwell is the kind of nose tackle that would thrive in a 4-3 defense with interchangeable defensive tackles. While his best role is at 1-tech, he could give you some reps at 3-tech with no issue. The Bears, in particular, could use someone like him to solidify the middle of their defensive line. With Andrew Billings recovering from a pec injury and approaching free agency after the 2025 season, Caldwell would give the Bears a reliable insurance plan and a potential long-term starter. Drafting him would not only give the Bears depth at a critical position but also a clear succession plan for the future.

NFL Comparison: BJ Raji

Up Next: Malaki Starks