From strategic draft reaches to a revamped offensive line, Jacksonville prioritizes "Duval DNA" to transform raw aggression into a championship run after last season’s early playoff exit.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have found an identity centered around toughness and physicality, which played a significant role in evaluating players in free agency and this year's draft.
Toughness and physicality are a part of the "Duval DNA." These are traits the organization found in the players it signed and drafted. Tight end Nate Boerkircher, Jacksonville's 56th pick, is an example of the team valuing such intangibles.
The Boerkircher selection left many analysts and fans scratching their heads. Mock drafts projected him as a fourth-round pick, but the film coach, Liam Coen, general manager James Gladstone and Udinski watched showed differently.
"I think when we go and evaluate guys, there's certainly a type of guy that we're looking for, and the play style of that type of player is something that's evident usually right away," Udinski said. "Now, there are always questions beyond that on their skill set and where they fit and what their role could be because you're always trying to project. But his play style, like the rest of the guys that we kind of target, popped off the tape right away."
Boerkircher recorded limited production as a receiver in college, totaling 38 receptions for 417 yards and four touchdowns. It was his blocking ability that stood out to the coaching staff. The willingness to embrace contact and set an excellent block at the line of scrimmage is the toughness and physicality that Jacksonville prioritized.
The team's identity extends beyond the players; Brian Picucci, the new run game coordinator, embraces it every second he's on the field. Picucci spent the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their assistant offensive line coach (2024) and offensive line coach (2025).
He reunites with Coen, who was the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator in 2024. Udinski said Picucci is bringing the same energy Jacksonville is instilling across the organization.
"He's a match with the identity that we want to continue to instill in the offensive line," Udinski said. "The toughness, the physicality, the same things I talked about Nate are true for the offensive line, and he brings that every day."
Although the Jaguars finished last season with a 13-4 record, they are hungry for improvement. The team is eager to build on last season's foundation and breakthrough to the next level.
Jacksonville lost in the Wild Card against the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs. They were four games away from a Super Bowl appearance, and their identity is key to making one of the grandest stages in sports.
The Jaguars are holding themselves to high expectations, even in the offseason. Udinski said the team will always push the identity of toughness and physicality to meet the standard weekly.
"That's going to be such a focus for us, no matter what the outcome of a given game, week, or season is, that we'll always be pushing that identity of the offense and the physicality, toughness, all of those things," Udinski said.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
