The Jacksonville Jaguars moved on from Evan Engram in the offseason because they believe Brenton Strange can step in his place. One look at his performance in 2024 helps understand why they're confident he will.
Strange, a second-round pick in 2023, filled in for Engram when he missed time and went on to register 40 receptions for 411 yards with two touchdowns. On top of that, he showcased his chopping blocks.
With Engram out of the mix, Strange has made the most out of his chances. Not surprisingly, head coach Liam Coen is hyped up about the third-year tight end.
Brenton Strange has developed a connection with Trevor Lawrence
Liam Coen met with the local media ahead of the Carolina Panthers game in Week 1 and said that Brenton Strange has made strides the past few months, noting that he's built a rapport with Trevor Lawrence.
"There's a pretty natural trust level between him and the quarterback. For sure, him and Trevor have a good feel on some specific routes that they've had some success with over the course of the last five months, or whatever it's been six months," Coen said (5:52 mark). "And so I think they there's and there's also a trust I know between Trevor that Brent's going to be in the right place at the right time, the accountability piece, the play style, there's a lot of respect there, mutually, I think."
Coen continued, "And when he's gotten the opportunities, he's made plays, and he's caught the ball, been aggressive with his hands, and I'm excited to see him with the ball in his hands in space a little. We see how people have to go and tackle him, because he is a violent runner when he does get the ball in his hands. So I'm excited to kind of see how he's able to help us on Sunday."
Earlier in the offseason, Strange said he's up to the task of being TE1, stating that he looks forward to contributing as a pass catcher and a blocker.
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Brenton Strange will be an offensive mainstay for the Jaguars
When you take into account that tight end Cade Otton posted career numbers under Liam Coen in 2024, it's easy to see why Brenton Strange is poised to have a banner season. Having said that, expecting him to have a big target share may be unrealistic.
Leaving aside that Strange will see more usage than Evan Engram as a blocker, the Jaguars have no shortage of weapons on offense, whether it's Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., or Dyami Brown. And while there's no doubt that Trevor Lawrence will turn to the former Penn State Nitanny Lion, he'll probably be the No. 4 or 5 option in the passing game when you take Travis Etienne into account.
Having said that, Brenton Strange will be a valuable weapon in the Jaguars offense even though he won't get the spotlight as much as his teammates.