NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Texas A&M TE Nate Boerkircher

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Texas A&M TE Nate Boerkircher with the No. 56 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Nate Boerkircher will come into the NFL as a blocking-first tight end, but he has more in the tank as a route-runner than you'd expect.

Boerkircher has a finisher's mentality and lines up blocks on the move with focused accuracy, looking to knock defenders off their feet.

The former walk-on at Nebraska and 3-star transfer to Texas A&M didn't put up huge counting numbers in college. He only had 19 catches for 198 yards and three touchdowns with the Aggies.

Despite that, Boerkircher is coming into the NFL with a good blocking/special teams floor and some intriguing offensive upside.

Dan has covered the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft since 2019 while contributing for RGR Football. Most recently, he spent the 2025 draft cycle at The Draft Network and is entering his first season in our scouting department.

Highlights

Nate Boerkircher Highlights

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Where He Wins

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— Will earn a living as an extra blocker in the run and screen game with his ability to wipe out defenders on the move and out in space. Plays with effort and determination, putting smaller players on the ground.

— Recognizes defensive leverage well as a pass-catcher and adjusts his route path to it to find space. Flashes stem manipulation tactics, creating separation.

— Reliable pass-catcher with a good frame to catch the ball away from his body. Consistently attacks the ball with his hands.

Areas of Improvement

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— Lacks "pop" at the point of attack as an in-line blocker and allows defenders into his chest to control the engagement. Must locate his hands better and gain consistent leverage in the run game.

— Not an overly explosive or agile athlete. Hasn't proved to be a threat after the catch, and man coverage is tough for him to shake loose from.

— Needs to improve his play strength as a whole to deal with NFL defensive linemen and contact through his route. Gaining more sand in his pants and improving his anchor will prevent defenders from caving him in.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

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GRADE: 6.3 (Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: TE Jalin Conyers, Texas Tech (6.4 in 2025), TE Ben Sinnott, Kansas State (6.3 in 2024), TE  Zack Kuntz, Old Dominion (6.4 in 2023)

OVERALL RANK: 182

POSITION RANK: TE17

PRO COMPARISON: Daniel Bellinger

Measurables and Testing Data

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Height: 6'4"
Weight: 245
Hand Size: 10 ½"
Arm Length: 32 ⅝"
Wingspan: N/A

40-yard dash: N/A
10-yard split: N/A
Vertical: N/A
Broad: N/A
3 cone: N/A
Shuttle: 4.4
Bench: N/A