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After retirement announcement, how will Eagles replace Jason Kelce? originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
The day has finally come to replace Jason Kelce and it won’t be easy.
The legendary center announced his retirement from the NFL on Monday after 13 seasons and a Hall-of-Fame career. And as Kelce moves to the next phase of his life, the Eagles have the unenviable task of replacing the All-Pro center.
That will probably start with Cam Jurgens.
The Eagles used their second-round pick (No. 51 overall) on Jurgens in the 2022 draft. Coming out of Nebraska, Jurgens was considered to be one of the best centers in that class and had some of the athletic tools we’ve seen in Kelce for years.
Heck, Kelce was even involved in scouting Jurgens, even though he downplayed his involvement in that process.
“I think a big part of them asking my opinion is really just them saying, ‘hey, we’re going to draft your replacement here. Are you OK with this?’ I think that’s … let’s all be honest here,” Kelce said in May of 2022. “I love looking at young guys, I love looking at guys on our team. The whole mentality of self improvement and reaching their potential. That’s something that I certainly love being a part of. I’ve loved my own journey of that and I’d love to help other guys reach their potential.”
In his rookie season in 2022, Jurgens barely played. And last season, he took over at right guard after Isaac Seumalo left in free agency. Jurgens dealt with injuries but still started 11 games at right guard. There were definitely some ups and downs. Jurgens graded out as the 31st best guard in the NFL out of 79, according to PFF.
But you can also point to the fact that Jurgens was playing out of position. Center is his natural spot and it’s the spot the Eagles drafted him to play.
“I’m pretty excited about the kid,” Kelce said about Jurgens in 2022. “I liked him a lot. I like his tools. I like his mentality. Probably overstated a little…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/retirement-announcement-eagles-replace-jason-185537400.html
Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia
Publish date : 2024-03-04 18:55:37
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