Can Cam Jurgens Be The Eagles’ Center Of The Future?

The Philadelphia Eagles surprised everyone by taking a center in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Center was not an immediate need for the Eagles, but after analyzing the roster, it could be a smart move. Can 2022 second-round draft pick, Cam Jurgens, be the Eagles’ center of the future? 

Who Is Cam Jurgens?

Cam Jurgens was born on August 21, 1999, in Beatrice, Nebraska. He was a three-sport athlete at Beatrice High School. Jurgens was Nebraska’s top recruit coming out of high school and played tight end, full back, and linebacker. In addition to football, he played basketball and threw the discus on his school’s track team. Jurgens chose to play his college football at the University of Nebraska.  

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College Career

Jurgens originally intended to play tight end for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He red-shirted his first year but used his practice time to switch to the offensive line. Coaches saw his athleticism and potential, so they gave him reps at the center position.

In 2019, which was Jurgens’ freshman year of college, he started all 12 games. He started seven out of eight possible games in the shortened 2020 season and started all 12 games in 2021. Jurgens was named Third-Team All-Big-Ten after the 2021 season. 

His Measurables

Jurgens measured up at the combine at 6’3″ inches and 303 lbs. This is considered a bit small at the position. Jurgens makes up for this with his athleticism. He displays quickness and is very fluid in space. He might be a bit weaker in pass blocking but can get down the field in run-blocking schemes. 

How Will He Fit In Philly?

Jurgens will not come to Philadelphia and start right away. He will have the chance to develop behind one of the Eagles’ best players in Jason Kelce. Kelce has been the Eagles’ starting center since getting drafted in the sixth round in 2011. Jurgens and Kelce had similar measurables and skillsets coming out of college. 

Jason Kelce is on a one-year contract, so this is likely his final season in Philadelphia. The Eagles will need a new center sooner rather than later. Philadelphia has options on their roster in guards Landon Dickerson and Isaac Seumalo, but the Eagles are smart for leaving these spots intact as they are.

Overall, the Eagles go into the 2022 season with a solid offensive line. Jason Kelce will start at center with Jurgens as a backup. Seumalo and 2021 pick Landon Dickerson will be the starting guards. The Eagles will have Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson at the tackle positions. Jurgens will help provide depth for the already strong unit. 

In Conclusion

The Eagles are hoping the Cam Jurgens pick can be as successful as Jason Kelce. He will have a full year to learn the Eagles system before getting the opportunity to start. By having similar traits and skills as Kelce, Jurgens can be a direct replacement when Kelce retires. This should make for a seamless transition for the Eagles’ offensive line which is among the best in football. 

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