Cam Jordan hints Saints should draft Lamar Jackson

While some may assume Cam Jordan is hoping the New Orleans Saints give him some pass-rush help through the draft, the All-Pro defensive end wouldn't mind developing on the other side of the ball.

Jordan joined NFL Network's "Up to the Minute" on Friday to discuss a variety of topics surrounding the Saints' offseason including what they should do with the 27th overall pick. Jordan mentioned Penn State tight end Mike Gesicki and LSU pass-rusher Arden Key as potential targets before alluding to a certain Heisman-winning quarterback.

"If you're looking for an heir apparent, maybe give him the Aaron Rodgers treatment. Let him learn from the best for a couple years and then send him on. But I'm not putting here nor there, I'm just simply saying," Jordan said, according to NFL.com's Nick Shook before clearly mouthing "Lamar Jackson."

Jordan referred to the idea of letting Jackson sit behind 39-year-old Drew Brees, who has two years remaining on his contract, as a plus for the ultra-athletic pass-thrower. Brees has been in New Orleans since 2006 and has yet to see a potential successor as the Saints have drafted just two quarterbacks during his tenure, neither in the first two rounds.

Head coach Sean Payton told ESPN's Mike Triplett earlier in the week that he has also been impressed with Jackson and clarified that the team isn't looking for "a Drew Brees clone" to replace their starter.

"I like (Jackson). He's athletic. He's got a magic smile to him. He's a leader," Payton said. "With Lamar, you feel it in the room and you can tell he can lead. ... He's a special guy. You just have to be around him, interview him, and you can see why he was successful."