"There's nothing about this that makes me wanna come back to 2011 right here at the combine," Cam Jordan amusingly reflected with Saints reporter Erin Summers. "Where, you know, coaches probe you and ask you weird questions that don't really pertain to football?" As he awkwardly ends his sentence with a question, like Ron Burgundy. "It was a time, and I forgot about it."
Jordan's NFL journey paid dividends for him after solid performances in the Senior Bowl and 2011 NFL Combine. The New Orleans was in dire need of a pass rusher to bookend the team's defensive line with the late Saints legend Will Smith. They used the 24th overall selection in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft to bring in the University of California defensive standout.
Cam Jordan, 34, offered Summers what he would ask potential draftees during the interviewing process. "I'd want to know, like, do how involved are they in their communities? That would be the adult me now. If I take myself back a couple years, I want to know what is it the coaches actually gain from asking random questions that don't amount to anything pertaining to football?"
The NFL Network will have Jordan assisting with their broadcast. So, what's Cam looking for in the defensive linemen? "My next D-Tackle!" I mean that's just me...I feel like if we draft another d-tackle, then you probably have to put them on the field next year, and then we have a 4-3 on 3rd down. And, I could get excited about that one."
Jordan visualizes the ripple effect of such a draft choice, acknowledging that a high-caliber rookie would likely earn immediate playtime. He imagines a dynamic shift in the team's defensive formation, possibly moving towards a versatile 4-3 on crucial downs or even a 5-1 configuration that showcases five linemen up front.
In Jordan's hypothetical lineup, he sees himself and teammates like Payton Turner and Carl Granderson forming an imposing front, while linebacker Demario Davis intensifies the pressure with strategic blitzes. This formation would leave the secondary to excel in coverage, playing to their strengths.
Summers inquired about the upcoming season and what he's looking forward to in 2024-25. "If we're talking about what am I looking forward to, Derek Carr be with the Saints for the second year. That's normally where you see his biggest leaps. I love the idea that we have potential, but I hate the idea that we have potential as well. I don't want potential. I want realized gains."
Jordan spoke to Summers about brotherhood, saying, "Because when you trust somebody, you want to you push yourself that much harder, to go even deeper, hopefully into the playoffs this year."
Jordan's insights reflect his commitment to the game and his belief in the value of a strong defense, which he has consistently represented on the field with his exceptional play and leadership over the previous 13 seasons.
What's Jordan's advice for the NFL prospects? "So go out there and enjoy each and every moment, give it your best, and leave it all on the field."
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