Mar 4, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Nebraska offensive lineman Cam Jurgens (OL24) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
It’s no secret that Jets GM Joe Douglas loves his offensive linemen. After drafting one in the first round of each of his first two drafts (Mekhi Becton and Alijah Vera-Tucker), the GM may not take a third in round one this year, but there could be some options later on. Today, we’re looking at one potential pick in Nebraska center Cam Jurgens.
Height: 6′ 3”
Weight: 290
Hand Size: 10”
Arm Size: 33 3/8”
Wingspan: 80 1/8”
40-Yard Dash: 4.92
Vertical Jump: 33.5” (pro day)
Broad Jump: 9′ 11” (pro day)
3-Cone Drill: 7.19 (Pro day, would have ranked #1 at combine)
Bench Press: 25
Games Watched: Michigan 2021, Oklahoma 2021, Northwestern 2021, Ohio State 2021
Jurgens is a player who we felt could be a steal in the middle to late rounds but that may be a pipe dream. Respected draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said on a recent episode of his podcast that Jurgens is the one center who has a chance to leapfrog Iowa star Tyler Linderbaum. Didn’t see that coming.
So what makes Jurgens so good? His effort is through the roof and constantly on display. If Jurgens gets his hands on a defender, he’s not going to stop blocking him until the play is over no matter where the ball is. Consistently finding (or taking) defensive players for long walk down field is impressive.
Jurgens uses his initial quickness, relentless motor and ability to find his targets down the field make up a key component of Nebraska’s screen game. His athleticism should come as little surprise as Jurgens played not only center but also tight early in his collegiate career. He would eventually settle down at the pivot where he started his final 18 contests.
While his agility, motor and durability stand out, the single biggest issue we find with Jurgens his his size. Checking in at 290 lbs, he will sometimes struggle against a strong bull rusher but could also look to add weight over the next season or two.
The biggest question regarding Jurgens is where he goes in the draft. As we said, Daniel Jeremiah mentioned him as a possible round 1 pick while others seem to have him going round 3 or later. We’ll know soon enough.