One prospect the Denver Broncos are showing interest in and are bringing in for a Top-30 pre-draft meeting is Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher. He is a 6-5, 245-pound tight end prospect who is viewed as one of the better run-blocking tight ends in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Boerkircher’s receiving production will not excite you, but what he does in the trenches as a blocker will. He’s a punishing blocker who plays through the whistle while also having some sneaky pass-catching upside, but at the end
of the day, he’s a blocking tight end.
He played four seasons at Nebraska before transferring to Texas A&M this past season and is now entering the 2026 NFL Draft. Through his five seasons in college, Boerkircher appeared in 52 games and had 38 catches for 417 yards and 4 touchdowns. This past season for Texas A&M, he appeared in 13 games and had 19 receptions for 198 yards and 3 touchdowns, which were all career-highs for him.
The Broncos re-signed veteran tight end Adam Trautman and blocking specialist Nate Adkins this offseason, but still could be looking for another blocking specialist at tight end. Nate Boerkircker is in the conversation for the best blocking tight end in this class and could instantly become the Broncos’ best blocking tight end on the roster. While many of us want a tight end with more receiving upside, a player like this could be exactly what head coach Sean Payton wants.
Player Profile
Nate Boerkircher | Tight End | Texas A&M
- Height: 6-5 1/2
- Weight: 245 pounds
- Arm Length: 32 3/8 inches
- Hand Size: 10.5 inches
- 40-time: 4.78 inches
- Vertical Jump: 32 inches
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.33 seconds
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.03 seconds
Note: Athletic testing numbers were from his Pro Day workout – Source
Film Room
Scouting Report
Strengths
- Excellent run blocker who is nasty in the trenches and finishes strong
- Has a strong initial punch that knocks back defenders
- Plays through the whistle
- While his receiving production is limited, he caught almost everything thrown his way
- Finds the open passing lanes in zone coverage
- Lined up in various spots at Texas A&M (In-line, H-Back, slot, and outside)
- Is violent after the catch and will lower his shoulder and fight for extra yards
- Will run through you instead of by you
- Proved he could win contested catches and will fight for the ball
Weaknesses
- Very limited pass-catching production – Only 38 catches through 5 seasons in college
- Will be an older rookie at 25 years old
- Lacks elite speed and burst to create much after the catch
What other analysts are saying about Texas A&M TE Nate Boerkircher
NFL.com’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein on Texas A&M TE Nate Boerkircher
Skip the stat page for Boerkircher because what he offers won’t be found there. He has average size and strength but compensates with willingness as a blocker and a taste for contact that isn’t always easy to find. He can line up in-line, land on targets in space and finish his blocks. Despite pedestrian production over five seasons, his tape shows an ability to challenge man coverage, secure contested catches with sticky hands and accelerate through contact as a runner. He’s flown under the radar but projects as an alignment-versatile combo tight end with the talent to start in the NFL.
Should the Broncos draft Texas A&M TE Nate Boerkircher on day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft?
If the Broncos want to improve their run blocking at tight end, I would be all for it.
I wanted them to draft Jackson Hawes last season, but he went to Buffalo and became one of the better blocking tight ends for the top rushing unit in the NFL. Boerkircher is nasty in the run game and could instantly become the Broncos’ best blocking tight end on the roster.
As for the passing game, ignore the stat book. It’s not great, and it’s not what you want, but he did prove he can be used in the passing game in limited action and helped himself at the Senior Bowl. He won’t be an elite pass-catcher, but he has the skillset to be targeted in the red zone or off play-action in heavy formation.
He’s going to be a day 3 selection, and I wouldn’t mind the Broncos spending a pick on him. Sure, he’s older, but you’re getting a monster in the run game, and that’s an area the Broncos need to improve at. So, while it may not be the sexiest pick, I would like it. I honestly wouldn’t be shocked if they double-dipped at tight end. Get a pass-catching threat AND a blocker like Boerkircher.
