While most of the attention has centered on Nate Boerkircher, the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted another tight end whose stock is skyrocketing after Organized Team Activities: Tanner Koziol.
A fourth-round selection in 2026, Koziol managed to turn heads with his impressive pass-catching skills. Coupled with his 6-foot-7 frame, the former Houston Cougar could carve out a role as a red-zone target. On the other hand, he may not get nearly as much playing time as Boerkircher or Brenton Strange because of one flaw in his game.
Unlike Strange or Boerkircher, Koziol isn't a great blocker. That could prevent him from earning a consistent role on offense, unless he fixes it. Former NFL guard Marques Odgen thinks he can.
The Jaguars will need to unlock Tanner Koziol's blocking skills
Marques Odgen thinks the Jaguars coaching staff could turn him into a complete tight end if they teach him how to block.
"You're only as good at something as your coaching is," Odgen said on the Locked on Jaguars podcast (24:08). "If you don't know it, I haven't been taught it. Let's say Koziol, that hasn't really been taught how to block very well, and it's all his time, right?"
Odgen continued, "So maybe coming to the Jaguars with a great coaching staff that can teach him the footwork, the hand placement, the leverage, how to bend his knees, and how to really get a good base and drive, have his elbows tight to his ribs and drive the hole. Well, then maybe he does become this amazing blocker that people say he wasn't, right?"
To make his point, Odgen brings up the fact that Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Muñoz put it all together until former NFL offensive line coach Jim McNally took him under his wing.
"Okay, take Anthony Muñoz. Right, Muñoz will tell you. Told me out of his own mouth on my own podcast. Just said, 'Marcus, I was a really good player. I got the NFL right. I was really good in college, but Jim McNally took me from good to great.' Period. Took me from good to great. He said McNally taught me things I never thought were possible at the officer line position that was never figured out on my own," Odgen said.
The Jaguars want to run more two and three tight-end sets next season. This is why they drafted Boerkircher and Koziol and later signed Brenton Strange to a three-year $48 million extension. Given that Strange remains entrenched as the starter, Boerkircher and Koziol may need to split snaps next season. If Jacksonville needs to plug in a tight end who can block, Boekricher may get the nod over Koziol.
The Jaguars have an intriguing talent in Tanner Koziol
While Tanner Koziol is trending in the right direction, he'll need to outplay veterans Hunter Long and Quintin Morris in training camp. Working in his favor is that he has a much higher ceiling as a pass-catcher. However, Morris and Long could stick around because they're better blockers, a trait Jacksonville covets on its tight ends.
Then again, Koziol doesn't have to turn into a top-notch blocker right out of the bat. He could contribute as a pass catcher in his rookie season while he continues to hone his skills as a blocker. If he improves, he could earn a substantial role on offense in Year 2.
Already, Tanner Koziol seemed like an intriguing talent, but if the Jaguars can turn him into a viable blocker, he will then have a chance to become a mainstay of their offense.
