Jaguars Tight End Preview: Four Names to Watch Before Camp

Training camp is just around the corner for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the team typically rolls out a 53‑man roster prediction each year. This offseason, the writers have changed the format by breaking the preview into dedicated position pieces before compiling a final outlook. The tight end group is the first unit to get its own deep dive.

Roster Locks: Strange, Boerkircher, Koziol

Brenton Strange is set to lead the Jaguars’ tight end parade, anchoring the position with his experience. Nate Boerkircher, a rookie, is expected to carve out a sizable role, especially as Jacksonville leans on multiple‑tight‑end sets. Tanner Koziol, also a draft pick this year, stood out during offseason programs and will add depth to the room.

The Jaguars have already locked in these three names as sure bets for the final roster. Their experience, combined with the team’s offensive philosophy, makes them difficult to beat. Koziol’s standout performance in offseason drills adds an extra layer of confidence for the coaching staff.

The Final Spot: Morris vs. Long

The competition for the last roster spot is shaping up as a battle between Quintin Morris and Hunter Long. Morris brings a blocking‑first mindset, while Long offers a more refined pass‑catching skill set. Special‑teams contributions will also factor heavily in the coaches’ decision.

Morris adds the extra blocking presence the Jaguars value, and his work on kicks cannot be ignored. Long’s receiving ability could be useful in certain routes, but the Jaguars already have a solid pass‑catcher in Koziol. The coaches will ultimately decide based on which skill set best fits game plans.

Why Jacksonville Keeps Four Tight Ends

Most NFL teams carry four tight ends, and the Jaguars are expected to follow that convention rather than expanding to five. Adding a fifth would force the roster to thin out other positions, a trade the Jaguars are not eager to make. Moreover, finding consistent snaps for five tight ends on gamedays remains a difficult challenge.

Last season, Jacksonville was forced into a three‑tight‑end situation in several games, an arrangement the front office wants to avoid. This offseason’s investment signals a desire to maintain a stable four‑man group. Keeping four tight ends also allows the staff to rotate based on matchups without overloading the depth chart.

Projected 53‑Man TE Roster

• Brenton Strange
• Nate Boerkircher
• Quintin Morris
• Tanner Koziol

Morris logged nearly 200 more special‑teams snaps than Long last year, tipping the scales in his favor for the final spot. With Koziol already providing receiving depth, Long’s pure pass‑catching skill becomes less essential. The Jaguars’ forecast hinges on a balanced group that can block, receive, and contribute on special teams.