Nebraska’s Jurgens, Taylor-Britt Go in Second Round of NFL Draft

At No. 51, the Husker center becomes the highest NU draft pick in more than a decade

The Cornhusker state is known for its one-house legislature, called the unicameral. But it was a biCameral night for Nebraska during the second round of the NFL draft Friday.

Center Cam Jurgens and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt were chosen nine picks apart from each other in Las Vegas. Jurgens went at No. 51 to the Philadelphia Eagles, and Taylor-Britt was chosen with the 60th selection by the defending AFC champion Cincinnati Bengals.

For Husker fans, it was a welcome chance of pace compared with recent drafts, in which Husker players typically didn't get any takers until the third day, if at all.

Jurgens became Nebraska's highest draft pick since cornerback Prince Amukamara went in the first round in 2011.

Jurgens came to Lincoln as a highly touted athlete from Beatrice, Nebraska, ready to make his mark at tight end. But he was persuaded to switch to something entirely different -- center -- and he battled issues with injuries and errant snaps as he transitioned to his new position. By 2021, however, he became an undisputed strength on the offensive line and earned third-team All-Big Ten honors.

Taylor-Britt, an Alabama native, came to Nebraska as a three-star athlete whose focus in high school was at quarterback. He quickly found a home in Lincoln at cornerback, where he twice earned second-team All-Big Ten honors.

Cam and Cam join a long list of Nebraska NFL draftees dating back to Bernie Scherer in the 1936 draft. Go here for the full list.