Eagles' Jason Kelce Snubbed of No. 1 Spot in Center Rankings?

Should Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce have been ranked No. 1 on Pro Football Focus' countdown of the top centers?

Center Jason Kelce and the Philadelphia Eagles once again find themselves as the runner-ups to the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Pro Football Focus ranked the top 32 centers in the NFL ahead of the 2023 NFL season. But while Kelce was ranked among the league's elite players at his position, Creed Humphrey of the Chiefs took home the top spot:

"Humphrey has been in the NFL for two seasons and has earned elite PFF run-blocking grades in both years," PFF wrote. "He just edged Jason Kelce in PFF grade last season (89.9 to 89.4) and when factoring in age heading into the season, it’s a fair projection to have him above the Eagles great."

It is true that Kelce will turn 36 in November, and at 23, Humphrey obviously would be a better bet for the next five years, and probably even the next three years. But like his younger brother Travis, the elder Kelce is aging like a fine wine. Kelce is a five-time All-Pro, including in each of the last two seasons. Kelce and fellow All-Pro Lane Johnson anchored the NFL's best offensive line a year ago, and what was perceived to be one of the better units in the recent history of the sport. Until Kelce shows signs of decline or retires, it feels like he's deserving of the top spot. 

If there's any silver lining for the Eagles, it's that they are the only team in the NFC East with a center in the top 20. Tyler Biadasz of the Dallas Cowboys (No. 24), Nick Gates of the Washington Commanders (No. 27), John Michael Schmitz Jr. of the New York Giants (No. 30) were among the bottom 10 centers on PFF's countdown. 

Additionally, the Eagles should be in a good position long-term at the position. Center Cam Jurgens was selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. While Jurgens will compete with rookie Tyler Steen for the right guard spot in 2023, he'll now get two seasons to learn under Kelce before likely succeeding him at some point. 

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