Why Jaguars selected TE Nate Boerkircher, how he fits in Jacksonville

When the Jacksonville Jaguars turned in the card to select tight end Nate Boerkircher at pick No. 56 in the 2026 NFL Draft, the majority of the viewing public responded with an outcry of confusion. After selecting one of the most exciting players in NFL Draft history in 2025, Travis Hunter, the team returned to the event, drafting a player who finished his five-year collegiate career with just 417 yards.

While post-draft discussion has revolved around consensus big boards and over-drafting, it's important to understand the "why" behind a selection and how the team plans to deploy the selection. WAY-TOO-EARLY: Jaguars 53-man roster projection: Way-too-early picks after NFL draft At the end of the night after selecting Boerkircher, Jaguars head coach Liam Coen spoked highly of his newest tight end, particularly for his toughness and physicality with an eye toward the future. "Attitude, toughness, mentally and physically tough," Coen said, describing Boekircher and why the team selected him.

The team's process has remained the same since Coen and Jaguars general manager James Gladstone were paired up alongside EVP of football Tony Boselli. Jacksonville seeks players who fit the "Jaguar DNA," and that's what the team feels they did with their 10 selections in the NFL Draft. Why Jaguars selected TE Nate Boerkircher in Round 2 Jacksonville has spoken extensively about the trajectory of the league and how the team feels they'll need to address certain positions to keep up.

One of those positions this year and the years ahead are at tight end. The team is attempting to get ahead of the curve, utilizing multiple tight ends. Of course, other teams have done this in the past; consider the Buffalo Bills , who have developed their offense almost exclusively around the tight end position with multiple high draft picks at the position.