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Cam Jordan To Take Reps At "Jack" in 2015

Cam Jordan, fresh off of a contract extension that locks him up until 2021, has been taking reps as the Jack OLB position, the premier pass rushing position in Rob Ryan's 3-4 defense. Jordan, who is normally a 3-4 end, is coming off of a 7.5 sack season following his career best 12.5 sacks in 2013.

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

On June 6, the New Orleans Saints signed defensive end Cameron Jordan to a contract that locks him up until 2021 and is worth about $62 million, with about $33.5 million guaranteed.  The move was panned by critics at the time, with Jordan coming off of a relatively sub-par 2014 season, a season in which the Saints defense suffered as a unit.  Jordan, 26, was signed to the contract as a 3-4 defensive end, a position that is less than glamorous unless your name is J.J.Watt.

According to Evan Woodbury, Jordan is taking over the Jack position.  The Jack is, generally speaking, the weakside outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.  This linebacker is usually the primary pressure man in the passing game (think Aldon Smith or Von Miller).  They also generally have a tremendous first step, making them very difficult to beat.

This move may or may not stick, depending on the progression of second round pick Hau'oli Kikaha, but Jordan has been able to put up numbers at a non glamorous position.  If he's starting camp at the Jack, especially considering the contract that he just received, one can infer that the position is his to lose.