New England Patriots 2011 NFL Draft Prospect: Cal DE Cameron Jordan

The New England Patriots have the 17th overall pick in this year's draft, and according to multiple mock drafts, along with my own, the Patriots are likely to select California defensive end Cameron Jordan.

Scouting Profile

Position: Defensive End/Defensive Tackle 

Team: California

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 287

Project Round: First

NFL scouts have Jordan so highly rated because he has played in the 3-4 defense, when only a small amount of schools run that defense. 

In 2010 for Cal, Jordan played his best season recording 62 tackles, 12.5 of them for a loss, and 5.5 sacks while being named first-team All-Pac-10. 

Jordan would be a nice fit in New England's defense because of his pass-rush abilities and his versatility on the defensive line.

With all of his positive attributes, he does have some areas of improvement. Even though Jordan is extremely explosive off of the ball and attacks with violence, his speed has been inconsistent at best. However, Jordan has always shown a steady incline of improving through his years at Cal. 

Not only will Jordan be a major plus for New England's pass rush, he is a stout run defender. He possesses a strong understanding of the 3-4 gap-control defense, and has long arms that can reach out and bring down the ball carrier. 

If Jordan falls to New England at pick 17, New England's coach Bill Belichick will have a hard time passing him up. Jordan has a great work ethic, plays to the whistle and is a great tackler.

Jordan's stock will either rise or fall coming up at the end of the month at this year's NFL combine. Either way, he addresses the Patriots' need of a pass rush, and fits the Patriot "mold" of being a team-first, versatile player.

Check out some clips of Cameron Jordan here, brought to you by Patriots Plus 

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.

Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @ TonySantorsa