Oregon defensive lineman Jamree Caldwell was downright dominant for the No. 1-ranked Ducks program this past season. A force up the middle, Caldwell was immovable in the trenches, routinely taking on double teams with terrific success as a run stopper and pass rusher.
Caldwell recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Caldwell discussed his breakout season at Oregon, stopping the run and rushing the passer, improving his game, what impact he’ll make at the next level, and more.
JM: Now that you've had time to reflect, how do you look back on the decision to transfer from Houston to Oregon? It proved to be a terrific move for you.
Jamaree Caldwell: I look back on that as a blessing. When you analyze my stint at Houston, I didn’t see much playing time at nose [guard] or zero-tech. With me going to Oregon, they gave me an opportunity to prove I was more versatile as a three-down defensive lineman.
I could play every position as an interior defensive lineman. That was important for me. It was a great move for me. It definitely helped improve my pre-draft stock. I knew it was going to be a question for me to address had I stayed at Houston.
Teams wanted to know if I could play the nose tackle position. I addressed that at Oregon.
JM: When I turn the tape on, I see a defensive lineman who wins with power and speed. I'm incredibly excited about what you could be at the next level. How would you describe your traits and abilities?
Jamaree Caldwell: I feel like I’m very impactful in the run game. I play with square shoulders in the run game and I have a strong anchor. I did a great job swallowing double teams this past season. My pass-rushing metrics [sacks] weren’t as productive as when I left Houston, but I actually had more quarterback pressures.
I feel like I was getting to the quarterback when I needed to. Finishing in the backfield is something I’m working on. I’m working on that right now.
JM: I’m going to build on what you said there. You're immovable at the point of attack. You split double teams with ease. What do you enjoy about playing those double teams? On tape, it looks like you took pride in taking on two blocks.
Jamaree Caldwell: I take a lot of pride in swallowing up those double teams. When you prevent the opposition from establishing the run game, you make them one-dimensional. You start eliminating their playbook.
That’s huge to me. I enjoyed building that wall up the middle of our defense. Coming from Houston, my d-line partner was Chidozie Nwankwo. He went to Colorado this past season. He was the anchor of our defense. He plays with great technique. I didn’t realize how special he was until I went to Oregon and played the same role he played for us at Houston. I inherited that from him.
It doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet and it doesn’t always lead to sack production. It’s beautiful and impactful when people realize the impact that has down in the trenches though.
JM: You touched a little on your pass-rushing ability. Like you said, you had more QB pressures in 2024. How would you describe your pass-rush arsenal?
Jamaree Caldwell: I feel like it should have been better. I’m more of a power rusher. I had more finesse as well. I was working up the middle. When I was at 3-tech, I worked the edge. There’s a lot of things I need to do better. There were also a lot of reps where I did a great job pushing the pocket. I need to finish at the top of my rushes better. I describe myself as more of a speed-to-power rusher.
JM: Scouts must be excited about you potentially being a three-down lineman at the next level.
Jamaree Caldwell: I’ve been getting a lot of great feedback. I welcome constructive criticism as well. A lot of teams are telling me how great I was this past season, but also how great I can still be, especially as a pass rusher. There are a lot of reps on tape where I was a little hesitant and it just prevented me from finishing. I can’t wait to be coached up. I’m going to be a better pro.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. This has been an outstanding conversation. What kind of impact is Jamaree Caldwell going to make at the next level?
Jamaree Caldwell: I feel like I’m going to make a great impact. I’m a humble guy, but I do feel like I can come in and be dominant as a run stopper. I’m going to be a good pass rusher as well. The main goal is to help the team win a Super Bowl.
