Jacksonville Jaguars Alternate Logo

Brenton Strange

Brenton Strange Player Profile

Summary

Brenton Strange was selected in the 2nd Round (#61 Overall) in the 2023 Draft out of Penn State. Strange is a tough, versatile tight end with a strong blocking foundation and solid YAC skills. He brings physicality, effort, and football intelligence to the Jaguars’ offense. While not a dynamic athlete or elite separator, his ability to do multiple things well makes him a valuable complementary player with room to grow into a more reliable receiving option over time.

Strengths

  • Versatile skill set Strange can line up as an inline tight end, H-back, or slot receiver. His adaptability allows offensive coordinators to disguise formations and create mismatches.

  • Blocking ability One of his best traits coming out of Penn State was his willingness and technique as a blocker. He uses leverage, good hand placement, and physical effort to seal edges and open run lanes.

  • YAC (Yards After Catch) potential Strange runs hard after the catch and can break arm tackles. He’s shown flashes of athleticism that allow him to pick up extra yards on short and intermediate routes.

  • Strong, compact frame Built low to the ground for a tight end, he can absorb contact and maintain balance in traffic. His strength translates well in both blocking and contested catches.

  • Football IQ and effort Known for doing the “dirty work.” Coaches at Penn State and Jacksonville praise his discipline, effort on special teams, and reliability in execution.

Weaknesses

  • Limited separation as a route runner While effective on short routes, Strange isn’t a natural separator versus man coverage. He can struggle to create space against faster linebackers or safeties.

  • Average top-end speed Doesn’t possess elite vertical speed to threaten the seam regularly. Most of his receiving work comes within 10–15 yards of the line of scrimmage.

  • Developing consistency as a receiver Hands are generally reliable, but he’s still refining timing and route precision at the NFL level. Needs to become a more dependable target on third downs and in the red zone.

  • Limited production so far in the NFL Prior to 2025, he’s been more of a rotational TE2/TE3 behind Evan Engram, with flashes but not consistent offensive involvement. Strange was on the cusp of a breakout season in 2025 under new Head Coach Liam Coen until getting derailed by a hip injury that landed him on injured reserve.

Fit & Outlook

Best suited for offenses that value two-tight-end sets and use motion/H-back roles (e.g., 49ers- or Patriots-style schemes). His versatility and blocking ability make him valuable as a complementary piece rather than a primary receiving threat. Strange is a “throwback” type of tight end who sprinkles grit into run blocking, short-yardage passing, and special teams. With continued route development and improved chemistry with Trevor Lawrence, he has the upside to become a top 10 starting tight end in the league.