Tight End – Penn State
6’3” 246 lbs
2nd Round (61st Overall) – Jacksonville Jaguars
In arguably the best tight end class in a decade, it was a bit surprising to see this pick so early in the 2023 NFL Draft. That being said, Brenton Strange was a name that you didn’t expect to hear so early on Day 2. Strange is what you call an under-the-radar kind of pick. Mainly, the reasoning behind this is that he didn’t have eye-popping stats in college at Penn State.
While playing all four years at Penn State, Strange brought in 70 receptions for 755 yards and 11 touchdowns. Additionally, he just had his best statistical season where he had 32 receptions for 362 yards and five touchdowns.
Although Strange never broke 400 receiving yards in any season, there are many aspects to Strange’s game to like. One aspect of his game that’s a strength is his blocking. Now, we don’t get fantasy football points for blocking, but let’s not forget that the NFL doesn’t care about your fantasy football teams.
As mentioned above, I’ve hit the topic of why Strange was drafted highly in his blocking abilities. Thus add to that his overall athleticism. He can square up perfectly against linebackers and take them out of the play. That alone should help out the running game as he can be used as a lead blocker.
Furthermore, Strange does have some play-catching abilities. With his athleticism, he does have the speed (4.7 40-yard dash) and incredible burst (1.57 10-yard split) off the line. Although his stats never showed it, Strange did have good hands, and speed along with great hand-eye coordination. Furthermore, he can high-point the ball and use his awareness to take the ball to the house when needed.
However, there were some things that Strange will need to work on for him to thrive at the Pro level. Even though he was a good blocker, he occasionally missed blocks or went and blocked the wrong person. Additionally, his footwork needs a little help. Overall, just like any other tight end, they all take time more than any other position.
Fantasy Football Outlook
As far as fantasy football production goes, Strange will be limited, at least to begin with. For all that has been said about Strange above, he runs into a roadblock known as Evan Engram. While he still hasn’t signed his franchise tag, doesn’t mean he’ll not be on the team. However, with other tight ends on the Jaguars, Strange is projected to be the TE2 on the team. Unfortunately, this will likely limit his immediate fantasy football production.
As most No.2 tight ends are on NFL teams, he can be left on the waiver wire. Potentially, he could be a possible priority on the waiver wire in the future if Engram were to miss time. Even then, there likely won’t be much immediate production for Strange.
Dynasty Outlook
As opposed to 2023 leagues, dynasty fantasy football leagues are a totally different story. If Engram is only to play under the franchise tag and move on, Strange could have the opportunity to be the TE1 for the Jaguars. We’ve seen how Trevor Lawrence used Engram in 2022 and hopefully, the boost could go in Strange’s favor as soon as the 2024 season. However, tight ends do take about three years to grow into NFL offenses, so proceed with caution.
According to 1QB average draft position (ADP), he is going on average at pick 37, while in Superflex he’s going at pick 42. That being said, as an early to mid-4th-round pick in rookie drafts, he will be worth stashing on your taxi squads and hope he develops into a bye-week replacement.
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