Saints DE Cam Jordan's Ranking, According to PFF

See where New Orleans DE Cam Jordan appeared in the PFF edge player rankings for 2023.

With the 24th overall choice in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected a defensive end from the University of California named Cameron Jordan. He was the seventh of eight edge rushers drafted in the first round that year, joining a star-studded cast that included Von Miller, J.J. Watt, Robert Quinn, Ryan Kerrigan, and Cameron Heyward. 

After a quiet rookie season, Jordan exploded on his way to becoming an all-time franchise great. He's been voted to eight Pro Bowls over his 12-year career. That's two more than his father, former Vikings TE Steve Jordan, and the second most in Saints history behind QB Drew Brees (12).

Cam has had six seasons of double-digit sack totals and 11 straight years of at least 7.5 QB takedowns. He's also added 219 QB hits, 150 tackles for loss, 25 fumbles forced or recovered, 58 passes deflected, and an interception returned for a touchdown. 

Jordan, who turns 34 this July, was the only disruptive part on a historically bad defense through the middle part of last decade. He remained extremely effective as the Saints built one of the league's best defenses over the last few seasons. Despite tremendous achievements, Jordan has often been overlooked by the national media.

Dec 19, 2021; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12). Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY

In a recent article for Pro Football Focus, writer Trevor Sikkema ranked the PFF site's top 32 edge defenders into five tiers heading into the 2023-24 season. 

Tier 1(6)

• Myles Garrett (Browns)

• Micah Parsons (Cowboys)

• Nick Bosa (49ers)

• T.J. Watt (Steelers)

• Maxx Crosby (Raiders)

• Nick Bosa (Chargers)

Tier 2 (6)

• Haason Reddick (Eagles)

• Rashaan Gary (Packers)

• Trey Hendrickson (Bengals)

• Von Miller (Bills)

• Danielle Hunter (Vikings)

• Brian Burns (Panthers)

Tier 3 (6)

• Khalil Mack (Chargers)

• Jaelen Phillips (Dolphins)

• Josh Allen (Jaguars)

• Montez Sweat (Washington)

• Za'Darius Smith (Browns)

• Matthew Judon (Patriots)

Tier 4 (8)

• Demarcus Lawrence (Cowboys)

• Shaquil Barrett (Buccaneers)

• John Franklin-Myers (Jets)

• Aidan Hutchinson (Lions)

• Josh Uche (Patriots)

• Denico Autry (Titans)

• Randy Gregory (Broncos)

• Chase Young (Washington)

Cam Jordan came in on Tier 3 of the PFF rankings at Number 31 overall. 

Tier 3 (6)

• Sam Hubbard (Bengals)

• Josh Sweat (Eagles)

• Greg Rousseau (Bills)

• Brandon Graham (Eagles)

• Jordan (Saints)

• Alex Highsmith (Steelers)

Here's what Sikkema had to write about Jordan:

Jordan has been the NFL’s ironman over the last decade of play, but it appears age might be catching up to the now 33-year-old, who posted his worst pass rush grade (52.1) and pass rush win percentage (7.0%) in 2022.

Who wants to tell him the actual facts??

Dec 18, 2022; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) sacks Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (4). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan's numbers were a bit down in 2022, but he remained highly effective. His 8.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss still led the Saints, although down from his usual production. Jordan also had 66 total tackles, the second highest of his career.

Jordan was credited with 13 QB knockdowns and 17 pressures last season, which might explain a slightly lower ranking. Still, he is leaps and bounds better as an all-around defender that the majority of the edge rushers on this list and still capable of wrecking an opposing offense. 

After 12 seasons, Jordan still commands double-team blocking on nearly every play. He'll beat blockers with power, speed around the edge, or with a variety of counter moves. He's also among the league's best run defenders at the position, a factor clearly overlooked by PFF.

Rarely coming off the field, Jordan is a disruptive presence in every situation. He played 790 (74%) of his team's defensive snaps last season, which is actually the lowest of his career but still an impressive number. Even more impressive has been his durability. Amazingly, Jordan has played in 203 of the Saints 205 games since he entered the league. 

Cameron Jordan moved into first place on the Saints all-time sack list in 2022, moving past Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson. His 115.5 sacks are the 28th most in NFL history and the second highest among active players behind only Von Miller. 

Oct 30, 2022; New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) hits Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) as he throws. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY

Unlike Miller, Mack, and some others on this list, there's been very little decline in Jordan's game. With the addition of several pieces along the New Orleans defensive line, we could even see a spike in Jordan's statistics in 2023.

Even if his impact isn't properly recognized in national circles, Cam Jordan is an all-time great who's still extremely important to the New Orleans defense. His place among Saints greats is assured, with a probable spot in Canton's Pro Football Hall of Fame likely to follow after he retires. As opponents are about to find out in 2023, however, Jordan is far from finished.