There's no doubt that the Nate Boerkircher pick keeps getting the spotlight for good and bad reasons. However, Boerkircher wasn't the only tight end the Jacksonville Jaguars took in the 2026 NFL Draft. Three rounds later, they double-dipped at the position when they chose Tanner Koziol at No. 164.
Boerkircher is already seeing his stock soar after rookie minicamp, but according to a beat writer, Koziol also stood out.
The Jaguars have an intriguing weapon in Tanner Koziol
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated drew up a list of the Jaguars' biggest winners at rookie minicamp and included Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol. Regarding the latter, Shipley stated that he looked fluid for his size, adding that he has a long way to go but has potential.
"As for Koziol, he was one of the most fluid and athletic skill players on the field," Shipley wrote. "Considering his near 6-foot-7 frame, it was staggering to see how easy Koziol moved in and out of breaks and accelerated after the catch. He might take time to develop his strength, but there is real upside there as a pass-catcher."
Head coach Liam Coen, for his part, is hyped up about Koziol, arguing that having different skill sets at the position will come in handy. Moreover, the Jags will no longer have to rely on offensive linemen, like they did with Chuma Edoga and Cole Van Lanen last year, when they want to run two tight-end sets.
There's no doubt that Koziol could become a reliable target for Trevor Lawrence. Specifically, he could give No. 16 a huge target in the red zone at 6'7". Moreover, the former Cougar runs solid routes. On the other hand, he needs to add strength to his frame and isn't that great of a blocker.
In fact, Koziol may have a limited ceiling as a blocker. This could limit his role with the Jags. Then again, his pass-catching skills could ultimately help him carve a niche.
How can Tanner Koziol make an impact with the Jaguars?
Tanner Koziol joins a crowded tight end room. Aside from Nate Boerkircher, he'll join Brenton Strange, Hunter Long, Patrick Herbert, and Quintin Morris. Strange is the unquestioned No. 1 on the depth chart, and Long could be a cut candidate after the draft. But that doesn't mean Koziol will have his work cut out for him.
Boerkircher should be the favorite for the No. 2 job behind Strange and in two tight end sets. Morris could get another roster spot. The team just gave him a one-year deal early in 2026 after he worked his way up the depth chart last season.
When you take everything into account, Koziol could be the No. 3 or 4 tight end next season, but he'll need to outplay Herbert, Long, and probably Morris. He'll also need to improve his blocking and possibly contribute on special teams.
The one thing Koziol has going in his favor is that he may be the best pure pass-catcher of the group. That could ultimately give him an edge on cutdown day. But there's a long way before then. For the time being, he must continue honing his skills, especially his blocking.
If Tanner Koziol does that and keeps making the most of his opportunities, he should have no trouble getting on the field next season.
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