![Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) runs through a pop up dummy during an NFL training camp session at the Miller Electric Center, Friday, July 25, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_0,w_6000,h_3375/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01k20pb0492bve4pkvxm.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (85) runs through a pop up dummy during an NFL training camp session at the Miller Electric Center, Friday, July 25, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]")
When discussing Trevor Lawrence's arsenal, Brian Thomas Jr. is probably the first name that pops up. Two-way star Travis Hunter must also pop up. Ditto Dyami Brown. But as talented as the trio is, the Jacksonville Jaguars also have an underrated weapon who is expected to have a big impact and isn't discussed nearly as much as his teammates: Third-year tight end Brenton Strange.
Following a promising sophomore campaign, Strange is expected to have a big role with the Jaguars on offense, both as a pass catcher and as a blocker. He said in the offseason that he takes pride in the latter and is working to improve in that area of his game. More recently, the former Penn State Nittany Lion said that he brings something to the table that Jacksonville has been missing.
Related story: Trevor Lawrence keeps improving in training camp (but the biggest question remains)
Brenton Strange wants to help the Jaguars set the tone on offense
Brenton Strange met with the local media after Day 11 of training camp and said that he wants to set the tone regardless of where he lines up, pointing out that he takes pride in his craft
"I think anytime that I step on the field is I take everything personal. You know, it sounds a little corny to say that, but like, I take everything personal," Strange responded when asked if he takes things personally (12:35 mark). "I want to win every single thing I do, whether that's catching the balls, or whether that's in the run game.
Strange continued, "Whether that's in the passing game, I want to impose my will, and I want to show everybody and prove it to myself, most importantly, that no matter where you put me, no matter what you ask me to do, I can get it done and I can win."
That's encouraging to hear, as the Jaguars missed juice, feistiness, pride, or whatever you want to call it, under former head coach Doug Pederson. That was reflected in their inability to establish the run or their inability to come to Trevor Lawrence's defense when he was knocked out in a game against the Houston Texans.
Brenton Strange is ready to make an impact for the Jaguars in 2025
A second-round pick in 2023, Brenton Strange was mostly a non-factor as a rookie. Granted, Evan Engram was around, but if the past regime thought he could have contributed, he would've gotten more playing time.
Anyway, the Parkersburg, West Virginia native showed progress when he filled in for Engram last year, hauling in 40 receptions for 411 yards with two touchdowns.
With Engram getting the boot early in 2025, Strange is ready to become the starter at tight end. During his press conference on Day 11, he said he's still getting acclimated to his new role but feels like he's made progress.
"I think it's been a learning experience, just coming out here and adjusting. Obviously, being in a different role, how I want to approach every single day, and how that'll be just to kind of put my best foot forward to get myself ready mentally, spiritually, and physically for the game. So I'll say it's been a learning experience, but I think I've been getting better every single day, so I cannot complain," Strange said.
Later in the exchange, the third-year tight end said that filling in for Engram in 2024 helped him prepare for next season.
"I think it helped a lot. Being out there and having the experience. I'm a visual person. I sit in my locker room. I visualize before the game and just think about what I'm going to do, look at the call sheet and visualize myself making the plays. And some of those calls that we have, like I've gone out there, and I've made them before. It kind of sounds a little self-centered, but look yourself up on the internet and watch yourself making plays. Everyone has their own way of getting themselves into that mode."
Based on how Brenton Strange played last year and all the work he's putting in throughout the offseason, nobody will be surprised if he break out in 2025 (and imposes his will while doing it).