The 2026 Panini Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to showcase themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. Texas A&M tight end Nate Boerkircher plans on taking full advantage. Boerkicher recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.
Boerkircher also discussed what he's striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, being a physical blocking tight end, how he’d write his own scouting report, and more. Let's get to know Boerkircher better ahead of his journey to the Panini Senior Bowl.
JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite, and what was your initial reaction?
Nate Boerkircher: Man, I got my invite in a team meeting room. I was with a bunch of my teammates and we all got our invites together. It was special because those are the guys who helped make me better every single day. It was super cool to share that moment with them.
JM: It sounds like that was a pretty special moment shared between teammates. What motivated you to accept the Senior Bowl’s offer?
Nate Boerkircher: I mean, you see guys improve their pre-draft stock coming out of the Senior Bowl on a yearly basis. It’s where you go to prove yourself against the best of the best. I always love a competitive environment.
JM: What are you hoping to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?
Nate Boerkircher: I just want to prove that I’m a hard worker and a team-first guy. I’m excited to get to Mobile. I’m always going to put my best foot forward.
JM: You’re one of the best blocking tight ends in this class. You’re very selfless on tape. Blocking in the run game was one of your primary responsibilities. What do you enjoy about doing that dirty work in the trenches?
Nate Boerkircher: It all comes down to physicality. It’s just something that not a lot of people are willing to do. When you pair that with the excellent coaching I received throughout my career helped me improve my footwork, technique, and hand placement.
It led to opportunities for me to be an impactful blocker in the run game.
JM: How would you write your own scouting report? Self-scout yourself for us. What are your traits and abilities at tight end?
Nate Boerkircher: I’d like to say I’m a versatile tight end. I can do whatever the team wants me to do. I can help the offense in a variety of ways. I think I can fit into any scheme while wearing multiple hats. That’s probably my best asset.
JM: We love that. If you had to compare yourself to a current NFL tight end, who would you choose and why? Is there anyone in particular you try to study and learn from?
Nate Boerkircher: I wouldn’t necessarily compare myself to anyone. I love watching guys like George Kittle, though. He’s one of those tight ends who is super productive in the passing game, but he’s also willing to put his hand in the dirt and move people.
You don’t see a lot of guys like that. George Kittle is one of them. He puts his face in the action and gets physical in the run game.
JM: You’re an intense guy. What’s on the pre-game list? What gets you going?
Nate Boerkircher: I like Drake! I saw your area code [Toronto]. I think Drake makes great music. I’m not into the Scream-O, Hard Rock stuff (laughs).
JM: Drake is a big deal around my way (laughs). We’ve appreciated your time today. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl look like for Nate Boerkircher?
Nate Boerkircher: I’m looking forward to building those relationships with my peers, and NFL scouts, coaches, and GMs as well. The Senior Bowl is offering me an opportunity to build connections with an elite group of people.
Of course, I want to perform at a high level, to the absolute best of my ability.