NFL Draft Jaguars Score Big with Versatile TE Brenton Strange: Perfect Fit for Doug Pederson
The Nittany Lions‘ second prospect off the board was tight end Brenton Strange. The Jacksonville Jaguars selected him 61st overall in the second round.
The Jaguars are lead by head coach Doug Pederson who is known for using heavy personnel packages and so this pick shouldn’t have been a surprise, especially after the Jaguars let their other two tight ends, Dan Arnold and Chris Manhertz test free agency.
So the biggest question is, what are the Jaguars getting in Brenton Strange?
Strange is a versatile H-back option who will serve as another receiving tight end (who can block) opposite Evan Engram. But what is great about Strange is that he’s no stranger to lining up in all levels of the offense; snaps by position: backfield 94, inline: 305, slot 182, wide: 30 (per PFF).
This means that Strange can be utilized in jet sweeps, receiver screens, tight end screens, leaks., doing all the dirty work in the blocking game. Which is perfect for Pederson’s offense!
With Engram being the main receiving tight end last year, their offense could have been seen as predictable, but with Strange’s versatility, it gives a little more mystery when he is on the field.
“I don’t think there could have been a better place for me,” Strange told Jacksonville media on a video conference Friday night. “Coach [Doug Pederson] knows how to use the tight ends, so I’m very excited to do that. It’s an up and coming team. I can’t wait to contribute and help make plays.”
Strange can be described as an athletic blocking tight end who stands at 6-foot-4 weighing 246-pounds. Over his four years with the Nittany Lions Strange has allowed one sack, three hits and one hurry in 125 pass blocking snaps.
Lined up in the backfield picking up the LB in the run game pic.twitter.com/KM0cuwGQWU
— Laurie Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) April 29, 2023
In the run game he plays through the whistle and makes sure he completely takes his opponent out of the play.
Love Brenton Strange’s physical toughness in the run game. He plays like if he doesn’t finish the block, then it’s an L for him. pic.twitter.com/fUfkXOaGNG
— Jamual (@LetMualTellit) April 26, 2023
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Not only is he a willing and effective lead blocker but his athleticism and yards after the catch make him a viable option in the open field.
Strange had 32 catches for 362 yards and five touchdowns for the Nittany Lions last year. He finished his college career with 70 receptions for 755 yards (10.8 yards per catch) and 11 touchdowns in four seasons (17th-most in program history).
The @Jaguars select former @PennStateFball TE @BrentonStrange. 🦁
We’ll never forget this Strange grab. 👀#NFLDraft x #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/FSletmn6Qm
— Penn State On BTN (@PennStateOnBTN) April 29, 2023
In 2022 Strange led his team in yards per reception with 26.0 (per Sports Info Solutions) and a 75% completion percentage.
Makes sense: from 2018-2020 Doug Pederson’s Philly teams led the NFL in 12 personnel grouping frequency(Sharp Football Stats). The Jaguars liked using multiple TE’s last year, but if you don’t have a legit receiving threat at the spot then it’s a run tip-off https://t.co/dIN6eUyFLd
— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) March 2, 2022
This clip below is 100% a Doug Pederson play.
— Laurie Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) April 29, 2023
Imagine The Jaguars just tried to punch it in with Etienne or Bigby and they line up again without Engram and Strange as an H Back, the defense will think he is blocking, then boom, he pops out for the chip pass in the flat for six!
Strange wont be the number one option in the passing game this year but with Engram not securing a deal yet, the Jaguars need to have a little security in their tight end room.
All in all, with Strange being a versatile piece of the Nittany Lions offense, expect a similar plan for him with the Jaguars.
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