Nate Boerkircher joins a rare Jaguars second-round tight end lineage. Can he follow Brenton Strange's impact as blocker and receiver?
The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Nate Boerkircher with the 56th overall pick. While it was a surprising selection, Jaguars Roundtable will compare him to past second-round picks to analyze how he could impact the team.
He is the first tight end selected in the second round since Brenton Strange was drafted in 2023 with the 61st pick. Strange has become a vital piece of Jacksonville's offense as a receiver and blocker.
The former Penn State Nittany Lion hauled in 46 receptions for 540 yards and three touchdowns last season. He finished the year as one of the best run-blockers in the NFL with an 85.6 zone run-blocking grade and recorded an 88.1 pass-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus.
General manager James Gladstone acknowledged the trend of heavier tight end sets being run across the league, and it is an area Boerkircher could take advantage of in his rookie campaign.
Boerkircher, coming out of Texas A&M, had limited receiving production in his lone year with the Aggies, as he caught 19 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns. He was a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, which is awarded to the best walk-on.
His true production is highlighted in the blocking game. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote Boerkircher is a willing blocker who seeks contact and finishes blocks against defenders.
The likely pathway for Jacksonville's 56th pick to become an immediate contributor is excelling as a blocker and increasing his production as a receiver.
Strange's receiving production steadily increased over the years. He went from five receptions (2023) to 40 receptions (2024) and 46 (2025).
His role has increased during his tenure with the Jaguars, earning him the opportunity to potentially receive a long-term extension heading into the final year of his rookie contract.
Boerkircher showcased a similar trend in his college career. Starting at Nebraska, he recorded two receptions in 2021, six in 2022, five in 2023, six receptions (2024) and ballooned to 19 in 2025.
The Aurora, Nebraska, native had a 6.17 prospect grade, which projects him as a good backup who could become a starter. Boerkircher possesses the skill set and intangibles Jacksonville loved, and drafted him two rounds earlier than his initial projection.
Coach Liam Coen said the team got tougher with the Boerkircher selection, and his capabilities flashed in crucial moments for Texas A&M.
Becoming the second tight end taken in the second round since Strange in 2023 highlights the confidence Jacksonville has in the former Aggie to come in and produce, especially in double tight end sets.
The Boerkircher selection may have surprised analysts and fans alike, but his teammate has paved the way for success in a Jaguars uniform that he can replicate.
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