Who Should I Start? Brenden Bates or Tanner Koziol

Monday, June 22, 11:43 AM

John Shipley of Sports Illustrated writes that perhaps no Jacksonville Jaguars draft pick "garnered as much buzz" this offseason as fifth-round rookie tight end Tanner Koziol. The Jaguars took Texas A&M TE Nate Boerkircher in the second round (56th overall) and still have Brenton Strange at the position, but they are expected to involve more multiple-tight-end looks in 2026. Koziol's pass-catching prowess and refinement in the passing game helped him stand out immediately this offseason. In his four years in college (three years at Ball State and one at the University of Houston), he had 237 catches for 2,234 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns in 49 games played. His 74 catches last year with Houston led all TEs nationally, and his 727 receiving yards ranked second. There's no doubting what Koziol can do as a pass-catcher, but it will be hard for him to find playing time in head coach Liam Coen's offensive scheme if he doesn't offer value as a blocker as well. Right now, Koziol is an intriguing long-term prospect for those in dynasty/keeper leagues, but he could open his rookie year as the No. 3 TE in Jacksonville.