The Jacksonville Jaguars selected tight end Nate Boerkircher with the 56th pick in the 2026 NFL draft. He is expected to enhance the team's blocking capabilities and compete for playing time with Quintin Morris.
With the 56th pick in the 2026 NFL draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher.
Let's take a closer look at this pick with three things to know.
Boerkircher adds another blocking-heavy presence to the Jaguars' offense. In the short term, he gives Liam Coen the flexibility to play more three-tight-end looks, not to mention that he could compete with Quintin Morris for snaps. In the long-run, he could be TE2, with Morris set to be a free agent in 2027.
Boerkircher does possess upside as a pass catcher, despite the stat sheet not reflecting that.
Here is what NFL.com's Lance Zierlein had to say about Boerkircher in his pre-draft scouting report:
"Skip the stat page for Boerkircher because what he offers wonât be found there. He has average size and strength but compensates with willingness as a blocker and a taste for contact that isnât always easy to find. He can line up in-line, land on targets in space and finish his blocks. Despite pedestrian production over five seasons, his tape shows an ability to challenge man coverage, secure contested catches with sticky hands and accelerate through contact as a runner. Heâs flown under the radar but projects as an alignment-versatile combo tight end with the talent to start in the NFL."
Boerkircher ranked 22nd out of all tight ends last season in PFF's run-blocking grade. Over 61% of his snaps in 2025 came as a blocker.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire:
Nate Boerkircher plays as a tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Boerkircher adds a blocking-heavy presence, allowing for more three-tight-end formations and competition for snaps with Quintin Morris.
Nate Boerkircher was drafted in the 2026 NFL draft with the 56th pick.
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