The fantasy football landscape has been reshaped by the immediate breakout success of tight ends like Brock Bowers and Sam LaPorta, but such cases remain rare. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, third-year tight end Brenton Strange is stepping out of Evan Engram’s shadow and into a starting role in 2025, making him a candidate for a potential late-round fantasy sleeper. This Brenton Strange fantasy football draft consideration revolves around whether he can deliver replacement-level production sufficient to justify a late pick.
Strange is not projected to become an elite fantasy tight end, but achieving around 10 fantasy points per game would classify as a significant success. In 2024, Strange posted a modest 5.4 points per game primarily playing as the Jaguars’ TE2 behind Engram. When Engram missed half the season, Strange demonstrated his capabilities as the starting tight end, averaging 5.0 targets and 34.4 receiving yards per game, which translated to approximately 8.6 fantasy points per game during those eight appearances. Those numbers approach a viable end-of-roster TE1 option in fantasy formats.
Challenges Strange Faces in a Crowded Jaguars Offense
Heading into 2025, Strange must contend with enhanced competition for targets, as rookies Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. have emerged as promising pass-catchers. Unlike last season’s supporting cast, these young players represent a stronger challenge for target share, which could limit Strange’s opportunities. However, the Jaguars’ offense may see increased passing volume due to the team’s struggling defense, ranked near the bottom in PFSN’s Defense+ metric.
Last year, Jacksonville displayed a conservative passing approach, only resorting to the air attack 64% of the time when trailing by seven points or more, ranking 12th lowest among NFL teams. This tendency might shift under offensive coordinator Liam Coen, whose innovative strategies could provide Strange and the offense more chances to score. Coen’s arrival, combined with expectations for improved quarterback play from Trevor Lawrence, could produce a more dynamic offense overall.
Trevor Lawrence, after four years in the league, remains categorized as a low-end starter or a high-end backup rather than the franchise-transforming quarterback some hoped for when he was the number one overall pick. Still, if Lawrence elevates his game to above-average levels, it will likely benefit Strange and the Jaguars’ passing attack.
“My favorite thing about this offense is that they ask me to do everything.” #Jaguars TE Brenton Strange says he likes that this offense will showcase his versatile skillset.
He also notes “there’s a different type of discipline” in taking a bigger leadership role this year. pic.twitter.com/MceGMVAH5T
— Alessandra Pontbriand (@APontbriandTV) June 10, 2025
Where Does Strange Fit in Fantasy Rankings and Draft Strategy?
Brenton Strange’s average draft position (ADP) currently stands around TE23, placing him near the fringe of fantasy relevance at tight end. For managers who choose to punt the position early, Strange offers a low-risk option among mid-tier tight ends outside the top 15. His personal ranking at TE16 reflects a belief that there is little separating him from other mid-range options in terms of fantasy output.
The performance gap between players ranked from TE8 to TE18 is typically narrow, making Strange a comparable alternative to his peers. Should he fail to meet expectations, fantasy managers can likely reclaim another option from the waiver wire easily. This flexibility makes Strange a reasonable late-round target without significant downside risk.
Expert Fantasy Projection on Brenton Strange’s Outlook
Analyst Frank Ammirante highlights Strange’s promising showing last season, stepping up in Evan Engram’s absence by hauling in 40 receptions out of 53 targets for 411 yards. A standout performance late in the year included 11 catches for 73 yards against the New York Jets, showcasing his ability to contribute in volume-driven roles.
With Engram’s departure to Denver, Strange is firmly the Jaguars’ lead tight end, though he will likely rank third behind Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter in target share within an offense expected to improve under Liam Coen’s guidance. While Strange may lack explosive play potential, his steadier volume approach aligns with Coen’s system, which could unlock a career-best year for quarterback Trevor Lawrence and subsequently boost Strange’s production.
For fantasy managers in deeper redraft leagues with flexible bench spots, Ammirante views Strange as a suitable TE2 candidate due to his reliable floor. Pairing him with high-upside rookies like Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland enhances his value. Alternatively, Strange fits well as a TE3 option in Best Ball formats stacked with the Jaguars. However, in more shallow leagues, his limited ceiling discourages making him the primary tight end choice.
Implications for Fantasy Managers Targeting Tight Ends in 2025
Brenton Strange represents a nuanced option for fantasy football managers considering tight end selections in 2025 drafts. While he is not expected to provide star-level returns, Strange’s opportunity as the Jaguars’ starter, combined with an improving offense and a greater passing workload, suggests a potential breakout season at a position where depth is often scarce.
His relatively low draft cost and the possibility of consistent scoring make him a sensible final-round addition or backup tight end, especially for managers willing to experiment with sleepers. Whether Strange develops into a dependable contributor or remains a replacement-level player, he is poised to attract consideration in mid-to-late rounds of fantasy drafts, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding other tight end options this season.