Welcome back to Parsons’ Profiles, the NFL Draft countdown series where I examine the professional future of one Duck per day until the 2025 NFL Draft begins on April 24. Yesterday, I discussed tackle Ajani Cornelius. Today, we’ll explore the collegiate career and professional potential of senior defensive tackle Jamaree Caldwell.
Caldwell was born in Newberry, SC. He entered the collegiate scene as an unranked prospect after spending most of his high school career on Newberry High School’s offensive line. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Caldwell lost a scholarship to Hutchinson Community College in Kansas, so he moved a few counties over and found a spot with Independence Community College. Ironic.
In four games with Independence, Caldwell tallied seven tackles, three tackles for loss and half a sack. In July 2022, he officially transferred to the FBS, where he found a home with the University of Houston Cougars.
Despite facing improved competition, Caldwell continued to make waves. As a sophomore, he notched 11 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks in nine games. He’d then earn second-team All-Big-12 honors as a junior by tallying 27 tackles, 8.5 TFLs and 6.5 sacks.
Caldwell’s increased success earned the attention of Oregon’s defensive staff. When Caldwell entered the portal in Dec. 2023, the Ducks came calling.
“They were the only team that kept it real with me,” Caldwell said of Oregon. “I wanted to show my versatility; they said they were gonna throw me at the nose position and the 3-technique.”
As he’d hoped, Caldwell got to mix up his lineups during his one season as a Duck. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Caldwell took 167 snaps at nose tackle and 334 snaps in a more traditional defensive tackle role.
Though Caldwell lined up all over Oregon’s defensive front, his role in Eugene remained constant. Paired alongside elite interior pass-rusher Derrick Harmon, Caldwell took on a more run-focused playstyle.
Caldwell secured 29 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and three pass deflections as a Duck. Though he failed to record a sack, he tallied 22 hurries, six more than he’d gotten across two seasons at Houston.
2024 was also Caldwell’s third-straight season with a PFF run defense grade above 80, his first with a pass rush grade above 70, and his first with an overall defensive grade above 80.
When versatile production like that comes from a player standing 6’2 and 332 pounds, the NFL is bound to take notice. However, it remains to be seen where Caldwell will end up, which could determine his positional use at the highest level.
“I feel like my best spot would be (at the) 3-technique, but honestly I don’t care,” Caldwell said at this past winter’s Senior Bowl. “Throughout the years, I’ve shown that I can play all positions.
Despite his pass-rushing ability, most teams will likely try Caldwell out at nose tackle. Thankfully for Caldwell, there are multiple NFL teams looking for such a player in this year’s draft.
According to Mike Klis of Denver’s 9News, the Denver Broncos have scheduled a Top-30 visit with Caldwell for sometime this week. Caldwell was also one of 30 prospects to meet with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder projects Caldwell as a fifth-round pick, but I could see him being drafted sooner. CBS’s Pete Prisco made Caldwell the official captain of his “Better-Than Team”, which consists of players Prisco thinks are underrated by most scouts.
I’d have to agree with Prisco here. Calldwell’s size and adaptable skillset are tantalizing aspects to his game, and the multiple Top-30 visits he’s scheduled indicate that teams may be aware of his potential. Plus, he’s shown the ability to compete against increasingly tough collegiate competition.
I see Caldwell as a pretty safe fourth-round pick. He’s already got the mass and positional versatility to be a flexible backup who’ll see increased use in short-yardage scenarios. With a little development, I think he could be an impactful starter on the defensive interior for years to come.
Tomorrow, Parsons’ Profiles will break down an explosive Duck who’s likely seeking to follow in the footsteps of his Oregon predecessor and former teammate.
