With their first selection in the 2026 NFL draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars went with a bit of an under-the-radar pick, taking Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher.The addition of Boerkircher provides the Jaguars with another blocking presence at the position. He could compete with Quintin Morris for snaps, while also giving Liam Coen the ability to use more three-tight-end sets this season.Boerkircher also has some upside as a pass-catcher, despite having relatively few targets over his five college seasons.For what the Jaguars want to do offensively under Liam Coen, the pick makes sense. The addition also gives Jacksonville some longer-term stability at the position with Morris and Hunter Long free agents in 2027.But how do the draft analysts feel about this pick?
Let's see what grades the Jaguars received.Draft experts grade the Jaguars picking Nate BoerkircherSporting News: B-"The Jaguars make their first pick for a position they were considering to upgrade for Liam Coen to help Trevor Lawrence and the running game. Boerkircher, perhaps a reach before Round 3, is a classic inline blocker who has untapped big-play ability as a receiver."CBS Sports: C"It's a bit puzzling to see a third tight end go so early. Nate Boerkircher is a strong blocker, which should help him carve out playing time early in his career.
But the Jaguars already have Brenton Strange in the room and could have used their second-round pick to address more pressing needs. This is the team's first selection of the draft, and it feels like Boerkircher was a name they circled ahead of time as someone likely to be available regardless of what happened from picks Nos. 1-55."USA Today: D+"This is a pretty big surprise for a team making its first selection. Boerkircher might much closer to a pack of Day 3 tight ends than Stowers, but he ends up going just a few picks after the second player at the position off the board.
He can make his mark as a blocker for Liam Coen, who will covet what he can open up in the run game. But the value here seems distinctly lacking."This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2026 NFL draft: Experts grade Jaguars' Round 2 Nate Boerkircher pick