With training camp drawing closer, we will be highlighting the one big question that faces each of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ position groups.
Next up is the tight end unit, where the Jaguars have invested heavily this offseason, extending Brenton Strange and using two draft picks at the position.
How much of an edge can the tight end unit give the Jaguars’ offense?
Strange’s impact goes beyond his column on the stat sheet. He adds a level of unpredictability to the Jaguars’ offense.
With his ability to also move around the formation and hold up as a blocker, that allows Liam Coen to utilize him in a variety of ways, making it difficult for defenses to get a bead on what’s coming. This not only creates opportunities for Strange but for his teammates as well.
Jacksonville believes that Nate Boerkircher can have a similar effect and change the offense, not only with the well-rounded skill set he brings to the table, but also what that frees up the Jaguars to do with Strange.
And with all of that, we expect to see more two and even three-tight-end sets from the Jaguars this season, which can put opposing defenses in a bind.
In today’s NFL, where split safety looks are the norm, heavier personnel packages can be a stressor. The defense is forced to either go heavier themselves to match personnel, which can give the Jaguars’ athletic tight ends a matchup advantage, or if the defense stays in their nickel looks, Jacksonville has the size advantage.
While the Jaguars’ approach to the offseason, and the draft specifically, has often been criticized, James Gladstone and Coen have a clear vision for how they want to attack opponents this season, and the tight end position is a key part of that equation.
And if it all comes to fruition, this tight end unit has the potential to be a big differentiator for the Jaguars’ offense. As Coen often says, they are always looking for an edge, and the tight end position could provide that.
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Key question facing Brenton Strange, Jaguars TE unit in training camp
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire / Jaguars Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Jaguars Wire | USA TODAY Network
