The Jacksonville Jaguars are heading into 2025 with a retooled offense and a fresh outlook. Liam Coen takes over as head coach, bringing an offensive background that should inject life into a team that underperformed last season. With Travis Hunter joining as a dynamic, do-it-all weapon and Brian Thomas Jr. entering his second season after a historic rookie season, the Jaguars have speed, versatility, and big-play upside on the outside.
But one of the most significant shifts this offseason was at tight end, where Brenton Strange steps into the spotlight after Evan Engram joined the Broncos. A 2023 second-round pick out of Penn State, Strange spent his first two seasons learning and waiting for his chance.
Now, the starting job is his, and he’s ready for it:
“I’m definitely ready for it,” Strange told Jaguars.com. “I have a lot of confidence in myself and I’ve always had a lot of confidence in myself. I feel like I’m always one of the best players on the field. I feel like that’s the mentality I bring.”
Let’s dive into Brendon Strange’s fantasy outlook and why he could be a top sleeper target at the tight end position.
ASCENDING PRODUCTION
Strange flashed in his sophomore campaign in 2024, catching 40 passes for 411 yards while playing behind Engram. That was a significant jump from his rookie year (5 receptions) and a sign of what could come with increased opportunity.
Now, as the top tight end on the depth chart, Strange is positioned to be a key cog in Coen’s offense. And if recent history is any indicator, tight ends can thrive under Coen. Cade Otton had 59 receptions in Tampa Bay last season with Coen as the offensive coordinator, despite competing for targets with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and a handful of weapons. In Jacksonville, Strange could see a similar role and ascension as Otton, if not a larger one.
EVAN ENGRAM’S DEPARTURE = VOLUME UP FOR GRABS
Over his tenure in Jacksonville, Engram averaged 102 targets per season. That target share is now available, and while not all of it will funnel directly to Strange, the Jaguars didn’t bring in any notable competition at tight end. Strange has the inside track for a full-time role, and volume is king in fantasy football.
Importantly, Strange has three-down upside because on top of being a plus-pass catcher, he’s a capable blocker who won’t be limited to strictly passing downs. More snaps mean more chances for targets and big plays.
FAVORABLE SCHEDULE TO START THE SEASON
If Strange is going to break out, he’s got the schedule to do it. Six of Jacksonville’s 2025 opponents finished in the bottom 10 in touchdowns allowed to tight ends last season. That includes the Panthers (32nd) and Bengals (31st), who the Jaguars face in Weeks 1 and 2.
That kind of soft start is rare and could give Strange an opportunity to get off to a fast start, building early-season confidence for both fantasy managers and the Jaguars’ offensive game plan with Coen calling the shots.
ELITE SURROUNDING TALENT
One concern with mid-tier tight ends is competition for targets. But in Strange’s case, the Jaguars’ receiving threats might actually help him. Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter are expected to draw significant defensive attention, potentially freeing up space in the middle for Strange to exploit.
He also understands the value of playing his role and trusting the coaching staff.
“I try to put myself in a position where, ‘If the coaches want me to do this, then this is their best way of thinking we can win,”’ Strange said. “We had another great tight end in the room, Evan Engram. What he does best is catch the ball and run routes. It was frustrating at times, but you just have to tell yourself, ‘It’s all part of the process.'”
Now that the process has played out, Strange is in prime position to deliver on the potential the Jaguars saw when they drafted him.
BRENTON STRANGE FANTASY OUTLOOK: LATE-ROUND STEAL WITH TE1 UPSIDE
Currently ranked TE23 on The Wolf’s 2025 Fantasy Rankings, a full six spots higher than the Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR), Strange is one of the best sleeper picks at the position heading into fantasy draft season.
He’s going undrafted in many leagues or falling to the final rounds, yet he brings a blend of opportunity, talent, and situation that few tight ends outside the top 15 can offer. He’s also going at 172 overall in Underdog Fantasy Best Ball drafts, where he could flourish as a late-round tight end stab.
Strange doesn’t need to be a target merchant to return value. If he simply produces 50–60 catches and finds the end zone 4–6 times, he’ll vastly outperform his ADP. And if everything clicks in Coen’s offense, his ceiling could be much higher.
SUMMARY: TAKE A LATE-ROUND FLIER ON STRANGE
Brenton Strange checks every box you want in a breakout tight end: a full-time role, plus-athleticism, an offensive system that values the position, minimal competition, and a schedule that sets him up for success early.
Don’t wait until Week 3 when he’s a hot waiver wire name, get ahead of the curve and stash Strange late in drafts. If you’re punting the position or looking for a high-upside backup, he’s the tight end sleeper you should be circling in 2025.
