Jags Rookie May Emerge as Breakout Star in 2026

It’s always an exciting thing when a rookie emerges as a possible star talent in his first season in the NFL.

While first-rounders get all the looks, sometimes, it’s a rookie that got selected later in the NFL draft that ends up being a breakout star.

That’s almost like seeing the underdog come out on top. So, there are plenty of reasons to root for rookies this season, especially those who didn’t hear their names called until later in the draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected tight end Nate Boerkircher in the second round of this year’s draft, and that caused some fans and NFL analysts to wonder what they were doing. It was a surprise pick. But, there’s another tight end who could actually soar with the Jags, and that’s Tanner Koziol.

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Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report dubs him as a possible breakout rookie. “Koziol was the top receiving tight end in this year’s class. His 237 career receptions between stops at Ball State and Houston, as well as 74 catches this past season, led everyone among this year’s position class,” he says. “Spoiler alert: The rookie tight end looked really good catching the ball during his initial professional practices.”

My Take: Why Tanner Koziol Could Soar This Season

Koziol has a real chance to become one of the Jaguars’ most intriguing rookie contributors. The undrafted tight end arrives with strong production, reliable hands and a knack for finding open space in the middle of the field.

At 6-foot-7, he presents a massive target for quarterbacks, particularly in red-zone situations where size and catch radius matter most. That’s huge for the Jags. That’s also big for Trevor Lawrence. It’ll help him in 2026.

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Jacksonville’s tight end room isn’t crowded with established stars, creating an opportunity for Koziol to earn snaps quickly. If he proves he can handle NFL blocking responsibilities, his receiving ability and matchup advantages could make him an unexpected breakout candidate.

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 12:43 PM.