JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Jacksonville Jaguars used their first pick of the NFL draft to land Texas A&M blocking tight end Nate Boerkircher.
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Boerkircher played four seasons at Nebraska before transferring to Texas A&M. He started his college career as a walk-on and finished it with 38 receptions for 417 yards and four touchdowns. He had a career-high 19 catches last year.
The selection was an odd choice for a team in need
of so much defensive help, most notably at linebacker and along the D-line. Nonetheless, the Jaguars were looking for a tight end to play behind starter Brenton Strange. Strange is entering the final year of his rookie contract, but the team hopes to sign him to a long-term extension before the season.
The 25-year-old Boerkircher essentially gives Jacksonville a replacement for veteran Johnny Mundt, who was released in March after one season. The Jags already have Hunter Long and Quintin Morris on the roster as blocking tight ends, and Boerkircher gives them another body at a position that the Los Angeles Rams placed an emphasis on last season.
Jacksonville general manager James Gladstone and coach Liam Coen cut their teeth as part of the Rams organization, learning from GM Les Snead and coach Sean McVay.
The Jaguars have three third-round picks to close out Day 2 of the draft.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
