Lions prospect profile: Jamaree Caldwell, DL, Oregon

USA Today

17-02-2025

It shouldn't catch anyone by surprise if the Detroit Lions start to revamp their defensive line this off-season. They've attempted to add pieces through the draft and in free agency. Some of these additions just haven't worked or haven't given the Lions enough production to justify a contract extension.
Those players include John Cominsky, Marcus Davenport and Levi Onwuzurike. Certainly, we could see any of these players resigned on cheap one or two year deals but only time will tell. Regardless of what happens, the Lions should have interest in drafting one or two defenders for their defensive line.
This could be an edge rusher or interior defensive lineman or both. That should be preferred for Detroit. If they wait until the later part of day two or potentially the early part of day three, one player that could be an ideal fit is Oregon DL Jamaree Caldwell. Let's dive into his scouting report for the 2025 NFL Draft!
Background Information:
Was not rated on any recruiting databases — began collegiate career at Hutchinson Community College. Spent one season at Independence Community College.
Transferred to Houston and played 20 games (2022 – 2023) while recording 39 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks.
Transferred to Oregon for 2024 season and recorded 29 tackles and five tackles for loss. Played 14 games for the Ducks.
His uncle, Larry Werts, played for the Green Bay Packers.
Competed at the 2025 Senior Bowl.
Measurements:
Height: 6'2″
Weight: 342 pounds
Hand Size: 9 1/2″
Arm Length: 32 1/4″
*All measurements confirmed via the 2025 Senior Bowl*
Games Watched:
Boise State (2024), Michigan State (2024), Wisconsin (2024), Ohio State (2024)
Strengths:
Consistently plays with active hands and active feet.
Has strong lower half to anchor and fight against blockers.
Explosive first step for a player of his size.
Displays good lateral quickness to navigate between gaps.
Wins with good leverage and low pad level.
Weaknesses:
Lack of length could get problematic when trying to shed blocks against longer offensive lineman.
Despite showing alignment versatility at Oregon, he could be viewed primarily as a nose tackle at the next level due to lack of pass rush production and length.
Hand usage needs more refinement with placement and speed.
Overall:
It's hard to ignore Caldwell on tape and it's not just because of his 340-pound frame. Much of it is due to the fact that he's consistently active in taking on blocks. He finds success due to his ability to drop his hips and lower his pad level while changing direction laterally.
Whether he's facing one blocker or multiple blockers, he gets after it every chance he gets. There's some twitch to his game due to the quickness he possesses. That should make blocking him difficult during 1-on-1 situations at the next level.
Feels like Oregon DT 90 Jamaree Caldwell really gets after it every chance he gets. Always keeps his feet moving and puts a hand up to knock this ball down. pic.twitter.com/yUrpPUOPQP
— Russell Brown (@RussNFLDraft) February 17, 2025
To start his career, he's likely to be a two-down player that gets used on a rotational basis. However, there's potential for him to develop into an every-down player if he can improve his hand speed and placement when rushing the passer. There are times that he loses ground at the point of attack and other times, he will turn his shoulders when trying to navigate towards the backfield. This forces him to get washed or puts him at a disadvantage when trying to recover.
Overall, there's much to be desired with Caldwell's skill set despite the limitations. His strength, lateral quickness and motor will help him see the field on early downs. It could also help him get opportunities to rush the passer in certain situations. Teams looking for an A-gap and B-gap defender that can eat up space and blockers will want to give Caldwell an opportunity.
Pairing Caldwell up with defensive tackles DJ Reader and Alim McNeill could do wonders.
Grade: 3rd Round (74.5 / 100.0)