
PGMO to 'be vigilant' on set-piece grappling after 'clear and obvious' foul
PGMO's Howard Webb vows to keep an eye on set-piece grappling after a controversial VAR decision in West Ham vs Arsenal.
Tanner Koziol, a fifth-round draft pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars, impressed during rookie minicamp, showcasing his athleticism and fluidity. Analysts initially overlooked him, but his performance suggests he has significant potential as a pass-catcher.
The Jacksonville Jaguars held their rookie minicamp this weekend, and the obvious standouts were tight end Nate Boerkircher and offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon. But there's another player that some fans may be overlooking.
Drafted in the fifth round, tight end Tanner Koziol was another pick that analysts were less than enthusiastic about, though James Gladstone spoke very highly of him. And it seems Gladstone may have been right, as Koziol has already been named one of the winners from minicamp.
"As for Koziol, he was one of the most fluid and athletic skill players on the field. Considering his near 6-foot-7 frame, it was staggering to see how easy Koziol moved in and out of breaks and accelerated after the catch," SI's John Shipley wrote. "He might take time to develop his strength, but there is real upside there as a pass-catcher."
Koziol has largely been ignored in favor of bigger names, like Boerkircher and Pregnon, and understandably so. But his performance over the weekend could be a warning not to count him out, even in a crowded tight end room.
Brenton Strange is a lock for TE1, with Boerkircher likely coming in at TE2. There's also Hunter Long, Patrick Herbert, and Quintin Morris for Koziol to battle against for a roster spot. But if he does prove to be as good a receiver as he currently appears to be, he could easily challenge Long, whose position is already assumed to be .
Tanner Koziol demonstrated impressive fluidity and athleticism, moving easily on the field and excelling as a pass-catcher.
Koziol was overshadowed by more prominent draft picks like Nate Boerkircher and Emmanuel Pregnon, leading to less enthusiasm about his selection.
Tanner Koziol stands nearly 6-foot-7, which contributes to his ability to move fluidly and create separation as a tight end.

PGMO's Howard Webb vows to keep an eye on set-piece grappling after a controversial VAR decision in West Ham vs Arsenal.

Webb confirms Sesko's handball but VAR couldn't disallow the goal in Man Utd vs Liverpool.

MLB Power Rankings: Braves Surpass Dodgers as Phillies Surge

The NBA Playoffs see the Thunder sweeping the Lakers, raising questions about LeBron's future. The Wizards celebrate winning the No. 1 overall pick, while insights on Darryn Peterson's creatine controversy are discussed.
De'Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper are questionable for Game 5 against the Timberwolves.
Stream NFL, NBA, MLB, and more live on DIRECTV for free!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Long has been a pass-catching-first option at the tight end position, but his career in Jacksonville seems to be waning. He didn't take any offensive snaps after Week 14, and cutting him would also save the Jags a little bit of cap space. And if Koziol continues to excel through training camp and the preseason, it could be the end of the line for Long.
Koziol may not, on the surface, appear to be the most exciting draft prospect; he was taken in a later round in a draft that analysts have not seen in a positive light for the Jaguars. But clearly, it would be a huge mistake to count him out.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars TE Tanner Koziol named minicamp standout by insider