.

NFL Draft Jaguars Score Big with Versatile TE Brenton Strange: Perfect Fit for Doug Pederson

Penn State Football

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 01: Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Brenton Strange (86) runs down the field after a catch during the college football game between the Purdue Boilermakers and Penn State Nittany Lions on September 1, 2022, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire)

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.

 

In the run game he plays through the whistle and makes sure he completely takes his opponent out of the play.

 

<< BUY PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS GEAR >>

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).

In 2022 Strange led his team in yards per reception with 26.0 (per Sports Info Solutions) and a 75% completion percentage.

This clip below is 100% a Doug Pederson play.

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.

A note to our readers; If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a commission