The Jacksonville Jaguars addressed an under-the-radar need with their first selection in the 2026 NFL draft, taking Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher at pick 56 overall.

Let's take a closer look at Boerkircher's game with what several draft analysts had to say in their pre-draft scouting reports.

Throughout his college career, Boerkircher's role in the passing game was fairly small. In five seasons, he totaled just 38 receptions, 19 of which came this past season. With those targets in 2025, Boerkircher averaged 10.4 yards per catch with three scores.

He would make the most of those opportunities, however, showcasing his reliability as a pass-catcher, hauling in nearly 80% of his career targets, while being productive after the catch.

The Jaguars view Boerkircher as a prospect with upside in the passing game.

But where Boerkircher made his greatest impact was as a blocker, where he ranked 22nd out of all tight ends last season in PFF's run-blocking grade.

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.

"Skip the stat page for Boerkircher because what he offers won’t be found there. He has average size and strength but compensates with willingness as a blocker and a taste for contact that isn’t 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. He’s flown under the radar but projects as an alignment-versatile combo tight end with the talent to start in the NFL."- Lance Zierlein

"He has a functional strength and power profile that can contend right away in the NFL, and he's a tenacious, technically-sound blocker as well. He acquires leverage well and consistently drives his feet through blocks, he understands attack angles, he engages with forceful hands and imposing push, and he's a competent pass protector who can serve as a sixth blocker on passing downs with his steady footwork and anchor. The same functional athleticism that makes Boerkircher so imposing as a moving blocker also underlies some moderate receiving upside; he's quick and explosive for his size, and flashes good hip mobility and stem IQ." - PFN

"Boerkircher will be one of the oldest prospects in the class as a sixth-year senior, but he showed depth-level NFL ability in 2025. He is a tenacious run blocker with strong competitive toughness and better athleticism than his receiving production suggests. He projects as a Day 3 depth option with versatile blocking value." - PFF

This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Scouting reports on Jaguars TE Nate Boerkircher