Dave Spadaro

Selected in the fifth round (168th overall pick) of the 2025 NFL Draft, center/guard Drew Kendall combines athleticism with intelligence, toughness, and the ability to win in the trenches. Kendall is one of three offensive linemen selected by the Eagles in this draft and he talks about the legacy of the center position in Philadelphia and more in this 3 Questions With.

1. What is the focus for you as you begin your Eagles career?

Kendall:"I'm so excited just to get to work and get back to playing football after the NFL Draft process. I'm joining a great offensive line room with a bunch of All-Pros and Pro Bowlers and I'm here to learn as much as I can and do as much as I can for this team this year. When you are around that kind of talent with a position coach like Coach (Jeff) Stoutland, it's the best situation you can ask for. I know I have a lot of things in my game to work on and I'm here to put that work in and improve every day. I know I'm going to be challenged every single day."

2. The center position here has a history of great success. How do you feel about that?

Kendall:"It's very impressive. I mean, remarkable all the great players they've had here and, for me, Jason Kelce is the center when I was growing up and playing the game in high school and in college who I really watched the most and studied. His ability to get to the second level was just amazing. He had a command of the game. I think he's the best center of all time. And then Cam Jurgens steps in last season and makes the Pro Bowl and does so many great things. To be here now and to have a chance to learn how those guys approached the game, how they went about their jobs, how they went about their days, and what I can take from that. Hopefully, I can emulate that in my game."

3. What does it take to be a great center in the NFL?

Kendall:"I think you have to do all the little things right. You have to be really detailed in everything that you do. Extra detailed in everything, to be honest, almost to the point where you're a little bit annoying to everyone else. You've got to be right on with your aiming points, you've got to be right with all of your (blocking) IDs, and everyone is depending on you. The speed of the game is going to be different at the line of scrimmage, for sure, as the defensive line gets off the ball and it's going to take some time to get used to. I'm so excited to be part of a winning culture and you can feel it the moment you walk into the building. It's contagious here."