The LA Rams were extremely successful last season when lining up in 13 personnel, and it looks like the Jacksonville Jaguars would like to utilize more two and three-tight-end sets this season.
However, as Rams’ quarterback Matthew Stafford explained recently, finding success with multiple tight end sets isn’t as simple as putting more tight ends on the field. Strong depth is needed, and those players have to bring a well-rounded skill set to the offense.
“People are like, ‘Oh man, everybody’s going to be in 13 next year because that’s the way the league goes,’” Stafford said on the “Green Light” podcast with Chris Long, via Rams Wire. “And I’m like, ‘Well, they better have four guys that can all do everything.’ And that’s what we have. We’re so lucky in the room. People talk about it as just the X’s on the field, but it’s like, these guys are really talented players that can block at the point of attack, they can catch the ball intermediate, down the field, the whole thing. And they’re smart enough to go learn all these positions and do all these things and that takes a lot.”
Brenton Strange has the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. Nate Boerkircher was one of the top blocking tight ends in college football last season, but the Jaguars believe he can leave his mark on the passing game as well.
Quintin Morris provides more of a blocking-first presence, while Hunter Long and Tanner Koziol are more so pass catchers.
Playing with heavier personnel either forces the defense to go bigger, creating favorable matchups for the Jaguars’ offense, specifically at tight end, or it gives Jacksonville the size advantage if the defense doesn’t personnel. In either instance, the opportunity is there for the Jaguars to exploit the defensive lineup.
Having a do-it-all presence at tight end also brings some unpredictability to an offense. It’s difficult for a defense to get a bead on what’s coming when that player can fill so many roles.
So, although the Jaguars approach to the draft was criticized by many, it’s easy to see the vision that James Gladstone and Liam Coen have for the offense in 2026 and beyond. That said, Stafford shed some additional light on what’s going to be required for the Jaguars to be successful in these tight-end-heavy formations.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: As Jaguars look to use more TEs, Stafford highlights key to Rams’ success
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire | USA TODAY Network
