NFL news

Boerkircher was drafted to primarily be a blocking tight end. The 25-year-old played 38 snaps in his rookie debut, 26 of them coming for run blocking. With Brenton Strange operating as the receiving tight end, its unlikely Boerkircher achieves fantasy relevance within his role.

Boerkircher was the No. 56 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and will compete for the team’s TE2 role. He is primarily a blocking tight end and is unlikely to have fantasy-relevancy as a pass-catcher. However, his blocking utilization will play a key role in the Jaguars’ rushing attack and efficiency for Chris Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten in the backfield. With Boerkircher signing his rookie contract, the entire Jaguars 2026 rookie class is signed.

In his “bold predictions” piece, Shipley said he also believes Boerkircher will play on 45.0 percent of the team’s offensive snaps, catch 16 passes, produce 200 yards and score three times. In other words, he is very unlikely to be fantasy-relevant. That said, Shipley’s most notable point is that Boerkircher “has in-line blocking value as well as the ability to be detached from the line of scrimmage” and can block well on the outside, which is a plus for the Jaguars’ run game. The team has consistently harped on improving the run game this offseason. If Boerkircher can quickly establish himself as the Jaguars’ TE2, the impact could trickle down to RBs Chris Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten.

Boerkircher (6’6/245) caught 38 passes across 52 FBS games for Nebraska and A&M. His 19-catch 2025 for the Aggies was his lone double-digit receptions total. Boerkircher’s calling card is his punishing blocks and “taste for contact,” in the words of NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler does believe Boerkircher, 24, offers some “catch-point talent” after his somewhat surprising final season in College Station. Although his advanced age and lack of statistical production make him a long shot to produce fantasy points, he’s perhaps worth a final-round flier in five-round rookie drafts. The Jaguars are excited about their run game this season and, at the very least, Boerkircher can serve as a reliable blocker in two-tight end sets.