PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles drafted Nebraska center Cam Jurgens with the 51st pick in the NFL draft Friday in an attempt to fortify their long-term depth on the interior offensive line.
Jurgens, 22, was a three-year starter at center for the Cornhuskers and projects as the heir apparent for Jason Kelce. The 34-year-old is on a one-year contract and has contemplated retirement each of the last few offseasons.
At 6-foot-3, 304 pounds, Jurgens compares favorably to Kelce in size and athleticism. He ran a 4.92-second 40-yard dash, and his 1.71-second 10-yard split was 90th percentile. His size and 33-inch arms will keep him from being able to stick anywhere but center, but the Eagles were likely encouraged by his extensive time spent at the position.
The Eagles have now addressed both the interior offensive and defensive line with their first two picks, taking Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis 13th overall Thursday night.
They chose Jurgens over Georgia linebacker Nakobe Dean, a first-round hopeful who has slid in the draft, and a handful of other defensive prospects that were potential targets.
It’s the second consecutive year the Eagles targeted an interior offensive lineman in the second round of the draft over needs in their defensive back-seven. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has long valued depth along the offensive and defensive lines and took Alabama center/guard Landon Dickerson with the 37th pick last year.
The decision to draft Dickerson, even as he was recovering from a torn ACL, paid off at least last season. The 6-6, 330-pound lineman missed training camp because of his knee, but went on to start 13 games for the team at both guard spots.
When Dickerson was drafted, the assumption was he’d have a chance to be Kelce’s eventual replacement at center, but he actually projects as Brandon Brooks’ replacement after the veteran guard announced his retirement earlier this offseason.
