O’Connell noted Brandel’s intelligence and “pretty unique athleticism in his lower half” that allows him to get to the second level on different angles, as well as get to and block different defenders.
“And then I think the opportunity to pass block at tackle, guard, center, that bodes really well for him to have a full toolbox to continue ascending from a pass-pro standpoint — and your center needs to, with some of the interior guys that exist every week that you play against in this league,” O’Connell said.
He added he’s “really encouraged” by Jurgens’ development.
“His continued growth, his ability to step in sometimes where we absolutely needed him, and his growth and ascension’s been there,” O’Connell added.
Though O’Connell feels positive about Brandel and Jurgens continuing to work at center, he isn’t ruling out the potential of adding someone through this year’s draft, either.
“It’s a position that’s got some really unique names in the draft, depending on where you may be looking to take one,” he said. “And there’s some guys with experience, there’s some guys with some tremendous upside, and some guys that have that flex above the neck of the smarts and the command that it takes to play center in the National Football League level. So, we’ll continue to work through it.”