The pick is in: Jaguars select TE Nate Boerkircher at No. 56 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft

Perhaps the Patriots’ move caused somewhat of a panic within the Jaguars’ draft room… because otherwise, it’s hard to explain why the team drafted the 163rd-ranked player on consensus big boards.

Boerkircher is probably a fine player, and Jacksonville’s regime has arguably already earned the benefit of the doubt, but this was a puzzling pick.

Player

Background

• Name: Nate Boerkircher
• Class: Sixth-year senior
• Age: 24 (turns 25 in September)
• Hometown: Aurora, NE
• High school: Aurora
• Recruiting: 0 stars
• Consensus ranking: 163
• Instagram: @nate.boerkircher
• X: @NBoerkircher

Stats

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 4/24/2026.

Reports

From Lance Zierlein of NFL.com:

Skip the stat page for Boerkircher because what he offers won’t be found there. 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.

From Dane Brugler of The Athletic:

Boerkircher is a good-sized athlete with the catch-point talent and blocking refinement to earn a role in an NFL offense. He brings versatility to line up detached, in the backfield or in the slot.

From Ben Cartwright of Sports Info Solutions:

Even with some athletic and explosive limitations, Boerkircher has the FBI, hands, and competitive toughness to be a quality No. 2 backup at the next level.

From Daniel Harms of Bleacher Report:

Nate Boerkircher will come into the NFL as a blocking-first tight end, but he has more in the tank as a route-runner than you’d expect.

Highlights

Jaguars fans, let us know your initial thoughts in the comments below!