We saw tight end Brenton Strange take a big step forward in 2024, and the Jacksonville Jaguars believe he will continue on that trajectory in 2025.
GM James Gladstone has spoken glowingly about Strange, as did head coach Liam Coen at the NFL's annual league meeting.
"He’ll elevate just by alone getting more reps, and getting him on the field is a good thing for us," Coen said via Big Cat Country. "You can tell he’s hungry, wants to continue to get better, and he showed some really nice things last year, especially after the catch. Doing some nice things of breaking tackles and getting extra yards.”
Strange went from catching five passes as a rookie in 2023 to hauling in 40 of his 54 targets in 2024. He averaged 10.3 yards per catch, which included averaging nearly 5.0 yards in YAC, and he had two touchdowns, per PFF.
Strange was also still active as a blocker, with just shy of 300 snaps in that role, and he has the versatility to be moved around the formation as well, which includes playing from the slot--which he did a lot of last season--and even out wide.
“Brenton plays the game the right way. I’ll say that for sure. I love the way he competes through the whistle. He does it through the whistle, plays with an edge, he’s got some twitch, he’s strong, he’ll get his hands on you in the blocking. I really appreciate it."
With Evan Engram in Denver, there will be more opportunities for Strange this season. The Jaguars did sign Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt in free agency, but both have been primary blockers during their career. So as currently constructed, Strange will be the primary pass-catching threat at this position for the Jaguars.
Having a versatile tight end can unlock a lot for an offense. A player who can impact both the run and passing games, while also being versatile, adds a layer of unpredictability to an offense. With that player able to fill a number of roles, it can be difficult for defenders to get a beat on what's coming.
Just like with the LA Rams, multiplicity and the illusion of complexity, as Coen calls it, are important elements within that offense, and the tight end plays a key role in unlocking those abilities.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Liam Coen on Jaguars' TE Brenton Strange: 'He'll elevate'
