Jason Kelce’s Replacement is Ready – Philadelphia Sports Nation

Tears are still streaming from Jason Kelce’s eyes as I write this. Hell, if not for the benefit of typing on a keyboard, half this paragraph would be smudged by my own self-made waterworks. On Monday afternoon, the Eagles’ captain announced his long-awaited retirement before a crowd of family, friends, and press.

If you haven’t watched it yet, take a look:

The announcement hardly comes as a surprise, as the center had been expected to retire for multiple years now. Jason Kelce leaves behind a Hall of Fame career as a 7-time Pro Bowler, a 6-time All-Pro, and most importantly, a Super Bowl Champion.

Take a moment and relive… The Speech™

However, I don’t like to live in the past – that’s where all my exes are – and as such, I am here to talk about the future:

Cam Jurgens

Jurgens IS the next Jason Kelce. He was drafted out of Nebraska in the 2nd round, 51st overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, joining Jordan Davis as the Eagles’ second selection. Much like Kelce, Jurgens stands just 6’3” – short for a center – but with over 20 pounds of mass on his predecessor. Not only that, Jurgens’ 40-yard dash time was just 0.03 seconds longer than the famously-quick Kelce.

Jurgens’ 2022 Draft profile hailed his speed, toughness, and durability, while critiques focused on his lack of size and mass – things Jurgens has made up for with core strength. In fact, he earned a score of 99 (1st overall in his draft class) for “athleticism,” according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Sound familiar? That’s because he IS Jason Kelce 2.0

Don’t believe me? Take it up with Kelce. The now-retired Eagles legend hand-picked Jurgens, telling Philadelphia scouts and media alike that “of all the centers that have been compared to me… this is the guy. It’s him.”

There is a chance the team finds a center in the draft as well, and Jurgens has plenty of time to continue developing at just 24-years-old. After all, Jason Kelce’s first Pro Bowl season didn’t come until he was 30 years old! But if Howie Roseman is looking for the next great anchor of the offensive line, Jurgens is primed for the job.

Photo via Eric Hartline, USA TODAY Sports