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Could Caldwell complete the Giants’ defensive front?
One of the points of consensus among fans and observers regarding the New York Giants is that they need to add to the defensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Of course, opinions diverge from there and there’s a split on whether the Giants should pursue a one-gap penetrator or a wide-bodied defender who can control gaps. The good news is that this draft class has plenty of talented players to fit a wide variety of molds.
Oregon’s Jamaree Caldwell (formerly of Houston), is of the latter variety. The 6-foot-2, 330 pounder is massively strong and excels in clogging up the middle of an offense. Could he fit what the Giants want to do, and could he possibly be a strong value pick?
Prospect: Jamaree Caldewell (90)
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Best traits
Jamaree Caldwell is a massive and powerful interior offensive lineman. Caldwell has the build to be a rock in the middle of his defense at 6-foot-2, 330 pounds. And while he doesn’t have long arms at 32 inches, he plays with good extension and is able to control blockers with relative ease.
He also has surprising short-area quickness and agility. Caldwell gets out of his stand very well for such a large man and while his range is (very) limited, he moves well within that range.
He has obvious thickness in his upper and lower halves, and plays with a very wide base which allows him to maximize his already impressive play strength. He’s a handful even for double teams, and not only controls them but can drive them back if they aren’t ready for his power. His play strength and hand usage allows him to make plays off of blockers and is a stout run defender who can shut down any gap for which he’s responsible.
Caldwell won’t be known as a pass rusher at the NFL level, but he isn’t useless on passing downs. He’s shown an improved understanding of when to disengage and get his hands up, which led to three passes defensed in 2024. Likewise, he is able to disrupt through collapsing the pocket, if not with his speed into the backfield. His power also allows him to occupy blockers and create rushing lanes for his linemates or blitzers.
Finally, Caldwell offers great competitive toughness, both in fighting through blocks and in pursuit. He has an unglamorous job, but plays with great effort whenever he’s on the field.
Worst traits
Caldwell may surprise with his short-area quickness, but he’s a very limited athlete overall. That obviously impacts every area of his game and will also limit his use and ceiling at the NFL level.
While Caldwell has a solid initial...
