The Jacksonville Jaguars added a new weapon to their offense in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting tight end Tanner Koziol with the 164th overall pick. If you're looking for a pass-catching specialist with a proven track record, Koziol might just be the steal of the draft.

Koziol brings a wealth of experience to the Jaguars' locker room, having logged an impressive 2,496 career offensive snaps over four collegiate seasons. After transferring to Houston for his final year, he embraced a more physical role as a blocker—taking on that responsibility on nearly 60% of his snaps. But don't let that fool you: he remained a major threat in the passing game. Koziol saw 94 targets in his lone season with the Cougars, catching 79% of them for 727 yards and six touchdowns. Over his entire college career, he was targeted a staggering 337 times, including 123 targets in 2024 at Ball State.

What really sets Koziol apart? According to Relative Athletic Score (RAS), he posted a stellar 9.58 out of 10.00, ranking 63rd out of 1,471 tight ends dating back to 1987. That's elite athleticism for a player his size.

Draft analysts are split on his potential, but the consensus is clear: Koziol has exceptional ball skills. Dane Brugler of The Athletic notes that teams looking for a "big slot" weapon will value him highly, while Lance Zierlein of NFL.com praises his "soft hands" and ability to win contested catches—even if his route-running needs polish. Zierlein projects him as a "TE3" who could stick as a catch-only option if he sharpens his short-area quickness.

Jaguars GM James Gladstone summed it up best: "I think very clearly he's got a superpower that he offers in a real way and that's catching the football."

For a team looking to add depth and a reliable target over the middle, Koziol's blend of production, athleticism, and hands makes him a name to watch in Jacksonville's evolving offense.