Brenton Strange Leads Tight End Group for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the NFL, a standout tight end can be a quarterback’s most reliable ally—bridging the gap between receivers and running backs, creating mismatches in the passing game, and anchoring the offensive line in the run game. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, that pivotal player is Brenton Strange, a third-year tight end who has emerged as the clear leader of the team’s tight end group after two seasons of steady growth. Brenton Strange Leads Tight End Group for Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just a nod to his role on the depth chart; it’s a recognition of his rare combination of size (6’4”, 255 pounds), athleticism, and versatility—traits that make him a Swiss Army knife in the Jaguars’ offense. After contributing modestly as a rookie and sophomore, Strange has elevated his game this offseason, refining his route-running, improving his blocking, and stepping into a leadership role that guides the team’s younger tight ends. For Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars’ franchise quarterback, Strange’s ascent means a trusted target who can line up in the slot, next to the offensive line, or even out wide—keeping defenses guessing on every play.

Brenton Strange Leads Tight End Group for Jacksonville Jaguars is defined first by his evolution as a pass-catcher, a skill that has turned him into a consistent threat in the intermediate passing game. In his first two seasons, Strange focused on learning the playbook and contributing in blocking roles, but this offseason, he’s emerged as a dynamic receiving option: he’s refined his route cuts to create sharper separation, improved his hand-eye coordination to haul in contested catches, and developed a better understanding of how to read defenses to adjust his routes on the fly. Last season, he more than doubled his receptions (from 22 to 48) and tripled his receiving yards (from 204 to 612), with 5 touchdowns—including a game-winning 15-yard catch in overtime against the Tennessee Titans. His ability to win in the “seam” (the area between linebackers and safeties) is particularly valuable: Strange uses his size to box out smaller defenders and his speed to outrun linebackers, making him a go-to target on third-and-medium. For the Jaguars, who ranked 12th in tight end receiving yards last season, Strange’s growth means a new dimension in their passing attack—one that forces defenses to commit extra resources to cover the middle of the field.

Brenton Strange Leads Tight End Group for Jacksonville Jaguars also highlights his underrated blocking prowess, a skill that separates elite tight ends from merely good ones. In the Jaguars’ run-heavy offense, tight ends are expected to hold their own against defensive ends and linebackers, and Strange has become a reliable contributor in this area. He’s worked extensively with the Jaguars’ offensive line coaches to refine his blocking technique—using his lower-body strength to anchor against pass rushers and his hand placement to disengage from defenders in the run game. Last season, he graded out at 73.2 in run blocking (per Pro Football Focus), the highest mark among the Jaguars’ tight ends, and he played a key role in Travis Etienne’s 1,100-yard rushing season. A prime example came in a Week 6 win against the Baltimore Ravens: Strange lined up next to right tackle Cam Robinson and blocked Ravens edge rusher Odafe Oweh for 3 seconds, creating a gap that Etienne exploited for a 28-yard rushing touchdown. This dual ability— to contribute as both a receiver and a blocker—makes Strange a three-down tight end, allowing the Jaguars to keep him on the field for every play without sacrificing production in either phase.

Brenton Strange Leads Tight End Group for Jacksonville Jaguars is a cornerstone of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ efforts to build a more balanced and flexible offense. The Jacksonville Jaguars run a scheme that relies on multiple formations—from two-tight end sets to spread looks—and Strange’s versatility lets them seamlessly shift between these packages without substituting. For example, in a single drive, Strange can line up as an in-line blocker to help spring Etienne for a run, then move to the slot to catch a 10-yard pass on third down, and finally line up wide to draw a linebacker into coverage. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive coordinator, Press Taylor, has noted that “Brenton’s ability to do everything makes our offense harder to game-plan for,” adding that “defenses can’t just key on him as a receiver or a blocker—they have to prepare for both.” This flexibility was on full display in the Jaguars’ preseason opener, where Strange played 70% of the snaps, recorded 3 catches for 42 yards, and helped pave the way for two rushing touchdowns with his blocking. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ investment in Strange’s development reflects their belief that he’s a long-term piece of their offensive core—one that can grow alongside Lawrence.

Brenton Strange Leads Tight End Group for Jacksonville Jaguars reflects the Jacksonville Jaguars’ strategic focus on strengthening the middle of their offense. In recent seasons, the Jaguars have prioritized adding playmakers who can support Lawrence in the short and intermediate passing game—players who can reliably catch passes and move the chains. Strange fits this mold perfectly: he’s become Lawrence’s “security blanket” on third down, with a 78tch rate in those situations last season, and he’s also a key target in the red zone, where his size makes him a threat to score on every play. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach, Doug Pederson, who built his Super Bowl-winning Eagles offense around a dynamic tight end (Zach Ertz), understands the value of this position. Pederson has worked closely with Strange to expand his role, adding new route combinations and blocking assignments to his repertoire. “Brenton has the potential to be one of the best tight ends in the league,” Pederson said in a recent interview. “He’s got the physical tools, but more importantly, he’s got the work ethic to keep getting better.” This strategic alignment—between Pederson’s vision and Strange’s growth—has been a driving force behind the Jaguars’ offensive improvement.

Brenton Strange Leads Tight End Group for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than just a testament to his individual talent—it’s a sign of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ commitment to building a championship-caliber team. The Jacksonville Jaguars have surrounded Lawrence with a cast of playmakers, but Strange’s role is unique: he’s a leader both on and off the field, mentoring the team’s younger tight ends (like rookie Luke Musgrave) and setting an example with his work ethic. Off the field, Strange has embraced the Jacksonville community, hosting youth football camps focused on teaching blocking and receiving skills, and partnering with local food banks to support families in need. This connection to the team and community makes him more than just a player—he’s a representative of the Jaguars’ culture. As the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Strange to see if he can build on last season’s breakthrough. If he continues to grow, he could become one of the league’s top tight ends—and a key reason the Jaguars contend for the AFC South title. In the end, Brenton Strange Leads Tight End Group for Jacksonville Jaguars is a story of growth, versatility, and leadership—one that shows how a player’s commitment to improvement can transform both his career and his team’s fortunes.