Texas A&M TE Nate Boerkircher Impresses at Senior Bowl

The Athletic names Boerkircher a standout performer at the annual pre-draft showcase event.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:31am

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Texas A&M senior tight end Nate Boerkircher boosted his NFL Draft stock with an impressive showing at the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl. Despite modest college production, Boerkircher's reliable blocking, route running, and pass catching ability caught the eye of scouts, with The Athletic's Dane Brugler naming him a 'winner' at the tight end position.

Why it matters

Boerkircher's strong Senior Bowl performance could vault him into mid-round draft consideration, providing a valuable veteran presence and pass-catching threat for an NFL team in need of a well-rounded tight end.

The details

Boerkircher, a Nebraska native who spent five seasons with the Cornhuskers before transferring to Texas A&M for the 2025 season, showcased his full skill set at the Senior Bowl. While his college stats were modest, Boerkircher graded out well in all facets of the game according to Pro Football Focus, earning praise as a dependable in-line blocker and reliable target in the passing game. His standout 50/50 catch in tight coverage during Senior Bowl practices generated buzz on social media and further boosted his draft stock.

  • The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl took place on Saturday, January 25, 2026.
  • Boerkircher participated in Senior Bowl practices from January 22-25, 2026.

The players

Nate Boerkircher

A senior tight end who spent five seasons at Nebraska before transferring to Texas A&M for the 2025 season, where he became a reliable target in the passing game and a standout blocker.

Dane Brugler

An NFL Draft writer and scout for The Athletic who named Boerkircher a 'winner' at the tight end position following the 2026 Senior Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“In his six college seasons (five at Nebraska plus the 2025 season with the Aggies), Boerkircher never topped 200 receiving yards. However, that is more an indictment of the offenses he played for than of him. At 6 foot 5 and almost 247 pounds, Boerkircher snapped off routes all week and did a great job catching the ball through contact. His success as a pass catcher this week, combined with his blocking highlights from last season, means he will be a popular mid-round target.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Draft writer/scout

What’s next

Boerkircher will look to continue impressing NFL teams during the upcoming draft process, with the 2026 NFL Draft scheduled for April 24-26.

The takeaway

Boerkircher's strong Senior Bowl showing has positioned him as a potential mid-round draft steal, providing teams in need of a well-rounded tight end with a reliable pass-catcher and blocker who could contribute immediately at the next level.