The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the best run defenses in the NFL, but many of their interior defensive linemen become free agents after the season. Fortunately, the 2025 NFL draft features plenty of stout run defenders who should contribute early in their careers.
Oregon defensive lineman Jamaree Caldwell is a 6’1″, 340 lb. force of nature for the Ducks. Despite his stout frame, he flashes some explosiveness when releasing from the line of scrimmage and pursuing the football in short areas. Caldwell delivers blows with powerful hands that pry up the center’s pad level and increase his advantage in the leverage battle.
Caldwell puts centers on skates with his heavy hands and steady leg drive. His pass rush plan includes a classic bull rush, club-swims, long-arms, and two-handed swipes. Caldwell’s size limits his dynamic athleticism, which prevents him from applying consistent pressure. He needs to learn more hand counters to keep his rush plan alive.
Oregon DL 90 Jamaree Caldwell is stout against the run and shows that he can play with quick hands at 6’1″ and 340 pounds. Good job by him reading this reach block and then executing a quick arm over on the center. pic.twitter.com/jDrAgbjUdb
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) October 9, 2024
Caldwell occasionally pursues plays too far upfield, which opens lanes in the run game. When he maintains his gap discipline, very few offensive linemen have the power to disrupt his anchor. Caldwell effortlessly stacks, peaks around, and sheds solo blocks. He uses his power to drive linemen into the backfield before redirecting off the block and pursuing the football.
Caldwell’s ability to anchor against and split double teams is rare. He gets low and uses his pure strength to battle between the blockers. He’s one of the best defenders at the point of attack in the 2025 NFL draft.
Caldwell recently accepted an invitation to compete in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. in January.
