Tanner Koziol

Nate Boerkircher (R2, pick 56) was drafted three rounds ahead of Koziol in the same class and is the favored long-term piece if Strange departs. Koziol must leapfrog him to claim the 2027 starting role, a steep capital disadvantage.

Koziol projects as TE3 or TE4 in Jacksonville behind Brenton Strange, Nate Boerkircher, and others — meaningful snaps as a rookie are unlikely, making him fantasy-irrelevant in 2026.

Selected 164th overall (5th round), signaling the Jaguars view Koziol as a developmental piece rather than an immediate contributor; low draft capital reduces his urgency in the offense.

Brenton Strange is set to become a free agent after the 2026 season, creating a realistic path for Koziol to compete for or win the starting TE role as early as 2027.

Koziol led all FBS tight ends with 74 receptions and ranked 2nd in receiving yards (726) in 2025, earning First-Team All-Big 12 honors — elite volume production at the college level validates his hands and route running.

At 6'6", 247 lbs with elite contested-catch ability, Koziol profiles as a red-zone mismatch weapon; Jacksonville has historically struggled in the red zone, giving him a defined role to grow into.

Young TE (22) — still in value appreciation phase

Born March 29, 2004, Koziol is just 22 years old — young for a player with five years of college experience, giving him ample runway to develop into a legitimate starter by his mid-20s.