The Jacksonville Jaguars kick off organized team activities on May 28, forcing veterans to defend roster spots as two rookie tight ends and several undrafted cornerbacks join the camp. The numbers reveal that depth at both positions will be a deciding factor for the 2026 season, and the front office hopes the auditions will tighten the roster while preserving cap flexibility.
What the draft tells us about Jacksonville’s priorities
Jacksonville selected Nate Boerkircher in the fifth round and Tanner Koziol in the sixth, both tight ends with solid college production—Boerkircher posted 28 catches for 312 yards at Iowa, while Koziol logged 31 receptions for 345 yards at Boise State. Their contracts include a $150,000 signing bonus each, standard for those draft slots (ESPN). The signing bonuses were awarded to the rookies as part of their four‑year deals.
Veterans on the chopping block
Quintin Morris, who caught 12 passes for 98 yards in 2025, must now out‑perform the rookies in route running and blocking drills. Brenton Strange, a 2024 third‑round pick, also faces scrutiny after a modest 15‑catch, 124‑yard season. On defense, Stephen Braswell, a 2022 second‑rounder, will be challenged by undrafted cornerbacks who impressed in preseason workouts. Losing Morris would free up roughly $2.3 million in cap space, allowing the front office to chase a veteran edge rusher.
Doug Pederson’s OTAs game plan
Doug Pederson announced that the first day will feature a two‑tight‑end set to test combination durability, followed by a full‑contact drill on day two—a rarity for a team with a new coaching staff (The Athletic). The three‑day itinerary gives players a brief window to showcase skills before training camp. Pederson emphasized that the OTAs are a “real audition” for anyone on the bubble, and each drill will be scrutinized for effort, technique and consistency.
Why this matters for the 2026 outlook
If Boerkircher or Koziol secures a roster spot, Jacksonville gains a versatile pass‑catching option that could lift red‑zone efficiency, which sat at 68% last season. A rookie corner performing well could push Braswell into a backup role, giving the Jaguars more flexibility against pass‑heavy AFC foes. Depth at tight end and cornerback will be crucial for the upcoming season, and the competition fuels improvement across the board.
Key developments you haven’t seen yet
- Boerkircher and Koziol each received a $150,000 signing bonus.
- Morris was the only veteran tight end to record a target in every game last season.
- Braswell’s snap count dropped 18% after the Jaguars added two nickel cornerbacks in free agency.
- Pederson will run a two‑tight‑end formation in the first OTAs to assess durability.
- The three‑day OTAs itinerary includes a full‑contact drill on day two, unusual for a team under a new coach.
When do the Jacksonville Jaguars OTAs start?
The OTAs officially begin on May 28, 2026, giving players a three‑day window of drills before the first full‑contact session.
What are the contract details for the two drafted tight ends?
Both Boerkircher and Koziol signed four‑year rookie deals with a $150,000 signing bonus each, standard for fifth‑ and sixth‑round picks.
How did Stephen Braswell perform in 2025?
Braswell appeared in 13 games, recording 48 tackles and allowing a passer rating of 84.7 when targeted, but his snap count fell 18% after the team added two nickel cornerbacks.
What is the focus of the first day’s drills?
Day one will feature a two‑tight‑end formation designed to test combination durability and route precision, a setup rarely seen in Jacksonville’s recent preseason routines.
