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With the 212th pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Eagles have added a monster on defense. Utah defensive end, Joe Kruger (brother of Paul), is the newest member of Chip Kelly's squad. At 6'6" and 269 pounds, Kelly's "big people beat up smaller people" motto is holding true with Kruger. While his brother Paul plays linebacker, Joe is likely to play 5-technique for the Eagles. He has very long arms at 34 3/8 inches and his frame can still fill out a bit more.
Here is what NFL.com has to say about the former Ute:
Joe is the youngest of three Kruger brothers. Paul plays linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens and Dave just finished his Utah career as a four-year starting defensive tackle. His father played football for Oregon State and his brother-in-law, Tony Bergstrom, was an all-Pac-12 offensive lineman for the Utes in 2011, was a third-round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders. In high school, Kruger lettered all four years in both football and basketball. In his senior football season, he had 51 tackles and led the state with 15 sacks.
As a true freshman, Kruger saw action in all 13 games, but mainly as a special teams player. He earned Academic All-MWC honors. In 2011, Kruger played in 13 games, and logged seven starts. He had 35 tackles (five for loss), and three sacks. In his junior year, Kruger had 30 tackles (eight for loss), one interception (which he returned for a touchdown), and six sacks. He was an All-Pac 12 honorable mention.
With Cedric Thornton being his only competition at 5-technique, Kruger could have a shot at a starting role or a lot of playing time as a rookie.
Mike's Take: Joe Kruger is massive. This kid can anchor, push the pocket and get arms on offensive linemen before they even get a chance. He does have the ability to pass rush and is very solid vs. the run. He is a bit more of a project but that is fine for a 7th round pick. He will add quality depth and seems to be the perfect fit for what Chip Kelly wants in a defense lineman. His bloodlines are strong and this is a great value pick. I think he will develop into a solid starter by the time his rookie contract ends. He may not be Star Lotulelei, but he is still a massive force, that can develop into a very good player for the Eagles.