The Jacksonville Jaguars have a well-rounded receiver corps that will give opposing teams trouble next season. But with all the attention that the trio of Dyami Brown, Brian Thomas Jr., and Travis Hunter is getting, it's easy to forget that the Jags have another player who hasn't been discussed nearly as much but will have an equal chance to be a game-changer.
Tight end Brenton Strange saw noticeable improvement in 2024 after being mostly a non-factor the year prior. The third-year pro is ready to take the next step, showing everyone what he's capable of doing against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2 of the preseason.
Brenton Strange came though for the Jaguars in Week 2 of the preseason
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report drew up a list of winners and losers for each Week 2 preseason bout and dubbed Brenton Strange a winner, pointing out that his connection with Trevor Lawrence was at full display against the New Orleans Saints.
"The top two targets among the Jaguars offense are obvious when Brian Thomas Jr. and this year's second overall pick, Travis Hunter, comprise the team's wide receivers," Knox wrote. "Beyond those two, quarterback Trevor Lawrence could use a security blanket, specifically over the middle of the field."
Knox continued, "Strange was Lawrence's preferred target early in Sunday's contest against the Saints. The fifth-year quarterback connected with his tight end twice on third down to convert and keep Jacksonville's initial drive going. Lawrence looking toward Strange on key downs speaks well of what the tight end can be in the Jaguars' offense."
Strange has logged 33 snaps on offense in two preseason games, catching three receptions on three targets for 33 yards.
Teams usually rest plenty of starters in Week 3 of the preseason to avoid exposing them to unececessary injury risk. Strange could be among the Jaguars players that don't suit up against the Miami Dolphins in the finale.
And that's the thing. Jacksonville already knows what they have in Strange. He's previously stated that he'll do what the team asks him to do. That said, fellow tight ends Hunter Long, Johnny Mundt, and Quinton Morris would benefit more from the snaps.
After all, it's hard to tell how many tight ends the Jaguars will carry in 2025. If they keep only three, that means one of them will be the victim of the numbers game come cutdown day.
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The Jaguars have a secret weapon in Brenton Strange
Brenton Strange proved to be a capable starter when he filled in for Evan Engram last year, hauling in 40 receptions for 411 yards with two touchdowns. Engram is now gone, and Strange became TE1 for the Jaguars, meaning he'll get more playing time to showcase his talent.
With defenses having to account for Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown, and Travis Hunter, Strange will have several favorable matchups in underneath routes. This will put him in a position to set new personal highs in 2025. That said, the former Penn State Nittany Lion won't be a one-trick pony in Jacksonville.
Aside from giving Trevor Lawrence yet another weapon, Strange will show his chopping blocks. In Liam Coen's system, tight ends aren't only pass-catchers but are expected to play a big role as blockers in both the passing and running game. The Parkersburg, West Virginia native takes pride in that part of his game and will bring an element of feistiness to the offense.
Looking back, it's easy to see why the Jaguars moved on from Evan Engram in the offseason. He was a great target in the passing game, but Brenton Strange's skill set gives them more bang for their buck.