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Jaguars Week 7 rookie stock report: The Nate Boerkircher pick looks brilliant

• Plenty of good, there's plenty of work left.
ByCarlos Sanchez
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Nate Boerkircher (87) talks after a joint Buccaneers‑Jaguars NFL practice at the Miller Electric Center on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Nate Boerkircher (87) talks after a joint Buccaneers‑Jaguars NFL practice at the Miller Electric Center on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Jacksonville Jaguars are 4-2 to start the season, and one big reason has been their continuity from 2025. Foundational pieces like Trevor Lawrence, Parker Washington, and running back Bhayshul Tuten are benefiting from their second year in the same system. The same is true for playmakers like linebacker Ventrell Miller and Travis Hunter on defense. That said, the Jags are also getting production from their rookie class.

In case you forgot, general manager James Gladstone caught heat for ignoring the consensus and instead using the team's internal board to select players in the 2026 draft. While not every selection has panned out, Jacksonville should be thrilled with the early return from its rookie class.

And with this in mind, here's a Jaguars rookie report at the BYE.

Rookie stock report: Grades for every Jaguars' 2026 draft pick

Nate Boerkircher: A

The Nate Boerkircher pick is starting to make sense. The Jaguars didn't draft the former Texas A&M Aggie to be a slot receiver. Instead, they brought him in to run multi-tight end sets, a personnel grouping that offers plenty of flexibility without revealing their hand.

Boerkircher was never going to put up monster numbers but just recently showcased his underrated pass-catching skills when he reeled in a one-handed touchdown grab against the Houston Texans.

Simply put, Boerkircher has been everything Jacksonville bargained for and then some.

Albert Regis: D

Ideally, you want your early-round picks to contribute early on, but Albert Regis hasn't done much of note thus far. The rookie out of Texas A&M has only suited up for three games. He missed a couple games because of injury but has otherwise been a healthy scratch.

The Jags need Regis to step up after the bye.

Emmanuel Pregnon: B

When Wyatt Milum was unable to seize the right guard spot, Ezra Cleveland switched to the right side, effectively paving the way for Emmanuel Pregnon to be a Week 1 starter at left guard. So far, the former Oregon Duck has lived up to expectations.

While Pregnon has struggled at times, that's the kind of growing pains you expect from a rookie. On the other hand, he's also flashed enough potential to make you think that he can be a long-term staple of the offensive line.

Maybe analysts were right when they said Pregnon was a steal in Round 3. Then again, they also missed the mark with Nate Boerkircher.

Jalen Huskey, safety: F

Even though the Jags have been dealing with injuries at safety, Jalen Huskey has been unable to get playing time. He's been a healthy scratch most of the season, and when the former Maryland Terrapin did suit up, he didn't log a single snap.

You know Huskey has a long way to go when Kaevon Merriweather, who started the season in the practice squad, has moved ahead of him on the depth chart.

Tanner Koziol, tight end: D

Tanner Koziol shined in training camp with his pass-catching skills. But once the regular season came, he's barely played. That's due to the fact that the Jaguars are stacked at tight end, but it's possible that the coaching staff will give the rookie out of Houston more time as the season progresses.

Koziol's 6-foot-7 frame makes him a lethal red-zone weapon, so you can bet he'll eventually work his way into the field. For the time being, though, he's barely being a factor, and his grade reflects that.

Wesley Williams, defensive end

At least Jalen Huskey suited up for one game. Wesley Williams hasn't even reached that milestone yet, as he's been inactive every game this season. That's a reason for concern when you take into account that the rest of the team's defensive ends aren't particularly setting the football field on fire.

Heck, Bryan Thomas Jr. went undrafted and is still getting playing time, showing just how long a way Williams has to go.

Josh Cameron, wide receiver: A

The Jaguars found a late-round gem when they selected Josh Cameron in Round 6. From the get-go, the rookie receiver has carved out a niche on offense and special teams. He's already had two long returns and had another one wiped out due to a flag. On offense, he's passed Brian Thomas Jr. on the depth chart and has become a viable target in the passing game.

Given that Thomas was benched and is expected to be traded, Cameron could have a bigger role once Jacksonville returns from the bye.

CJ Williams, wide receiver: F

Like Josh Cameron, CJ Williams turned heads in training camp, but unlike his teammate, Williams hasn't been able to get playing time. He was active for one game but didn't get a target.

Maybe if Brian Thomas Jr. leaves, Williams will see an uptick in playing time. For the time being, he's been a non-factor.

And in case you were wondering, Zach Durfee and Parker Hughes get no grade after ending on season-ending injured reserve.

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