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The Denver Broncos came into the 2026 NFL Draft with a few clear plans, with the interior of the defensive line, running back, and tight end all options in the draft.
With no first-round pick and a few picks on Days 2 and 3, the Broncos had plenty of options in mind. There was one tight end, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, that the team was eyeing in Round 4.
However, that tight end wound up going two rounds earlier to the Jacksonville Jaguars when they made the surprise pick of Nate Boerkircher in Round 2.
Broncos wanted Nate Boerkircher in Round 4 before Jaguars Round 2 surprise
"Boerkircher believed Denver was high on him and considered him a viable option early in the fourth round," Fowler writes.
The Broncos were believed by Boerkircher, the Texas A&M tight end, to have interest in him with an early fourth-round pick.
But, much to the surprise of many fans, media members, and even Boerkircher himself, the Jaguars viewed him very highly and took him with the No. 56 pick.
That was well ahead of the pick the Broncos likely would've used to take Boerkircher, as that pick would've been roughly 50 picks later in the 100's.
More: Broncos considering major position switch for third-year player in 2026
With the Broncos looking to draft a tight end or two this year, which they wound up doing down the board, it's not a surprise they had Boerkircher on their radar.
But, with this report from Fowler revealing Boerkircher believed Denver's interest was in Round 4, it shows just how early the Jaguars took the blocking tight end.
This reach from the Jaguars will be an interesting one to look back on in a few years, as the Broncos' seemingly fourth-round interest shows just how much the Jaguars might've jumped the gun with this pick.
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