As the Jacksonville Jaguars progress through OTAs, all eyes are on their rookies, but none moreso than tight end Nate Boerkircher.
Taken with Jacksonville’s first pick in the 2026 NFL draft, analysts have heavily criticized that choice, arguing that taking Boerkircher at 56th overall was too early of a selection.
This is despite the fact that both Liam Coen and James Gladstone previously spoke about needing to add a strong blocking tight end, and Boerkircher was one of the top blocking tight ends in this year’s draft class.
He didn’t show as much talent as a receiver in college, but that is more because he wasn’t targeted often, not because he isn’t capable. From what has been seen so far, such as during rookie minicamp, Boerkircher has a lot of potential that most of the NFL apparently did not recognize.
There are still a lot of hurdles to navigate before the Boerkircher selection is vindicated, but for now, with each successive opportunity, the rookie tight end is impressing.
In his first day at OTAs, he once again showcased just how good he is capable of being. Writing for SI, John Shipley wrote that Boerkircher looked “at home” in the Jaguars offense, and that while Brenton Strange will continue to be TE1, Boerkircher “did not look out of place behind him.”
“While Boerkircher’s game will be better appreciated and evaluated when the pads come on, he did show some serious pop in his hands during blocking drills. He also caught a pass over the middle during 7-on-7 drills for a solid gain, showing some impressive acceleration in space for his size,” wrote Shipley. “Boerkircher will stand out more and more once things get a bit more real, but he had a solid day.”
ESPN recently named Boerkircher among their list of rookies that could make an instant impact, and that he has more to offer than what many might have expected. He has shown more promise, particularly as a pass catcher, than he did in college. There, Boerkircher had a great separation rate but was rarely targeted. The Jaguars might end up proving everyone wrong sooner than expected if he continues to excel.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars’ early round draft pick making most of OTA opportunities
Reporting by Casandra Chesser, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
