The New Orleans Saints making the transition from an even front to an odd front defense will feature a different role for a few of the Saints defenders, and Cameron Jordan is one of the bigger question marks on the roster.
Jordan is the longest tenured player on the team, and the Saints have played the same base defense the entire time. Jordan has been on the edge as a defensive end for most of his career, but that had the ability to change in Brandon Staley's offense.
From first glance at organized team activities, that is not the case. WWL's Jeff Nowak noted Jordan "was getting some work as a standup outside linebacker" during OTAs.
Cameron Jordan making the switch with Chase Young and Carl Granderson
In the new defense, it was a safe bet to see Chase Young and Carl Granderson remain on the edge rushing the passer. Young and Granderson both weigh in the 260 pound range. The same can be said about Isaiah Foskey. That's not as light as some of the younger, twitchier pass rushers entering the league, but it's good size for a standup outside linebacker.
Jordan keeping his hand in the dirt was reasonable and possibly the most likely outcome. Jordan's weight and play style makes a move inside logical. He's 287 pounds and is a better run defender than pass rusher at this point. It would require Jordan to slightly inside from his usual alignment, but he'd still be lined up in front of the offensive tackle.
It was only a small sample size of how the defense will deploy their talent. Jordan could just as easily split time between playing on the edge or sliding down. For example, he could play on the edge on run downs, but slide inside in passing situations.
Playing on the edge would give Jordan responsibilities he's used to, so that could be a reason they're starting him off there. If that's where he stays, Jordan will be the biggest edge rusher the Saints have.
