Brenton Strange and Johnny Mundt Start at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars

As the Jacksonville Jaguars prepare for their 2025 AFC South opener against the Houston Texans, a key offensive pairing has emerged to reshape the team’s attack: second-year tight end Brenton Strange and veteran Johnny Mundt will share starting duties at tight end, forming a two-man unit that balances pass-catching prowess with elite blocking. After relying on a single primary tight end in 2024—a strategy that limited offensive flexibility—the Jaguars’ shift to a “tandem tight end” approach leverages Strange’s athleticism and Mundt’s experience to create mismatches for opposing defenses. Through training camp and preseason, the duo has already made its mark: Strange hauled in 12 receptions for 156 yards and two touchdowns, while Mundt’s blocking paved the way for 180 rushing yards in the Jaguars’ final preseason win over the Miami Dolphins. Brenton Strange and Johnny Mundt Start at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just a personnel change; it’s a tactical evolution that gives quarterback Trevor Lawrence more weapons and the offense more ways to attack.

The success of Strange and Mundt’s partnership lies in their complementary skill sets, which let the Jaguars adapt to any defensive look. Strange, a second-round pick in 2024, is a dynamic pass-catcher with the speed (4.65 40-yard dash) and hands to stretch the field from the tight end position. He excels at running routes from the slot or inline, using his 6’4”, 250-pound frame to outmuscle linebackers and safeties in the red zone. In a preseason practice against the Atlanta Falcons, Strange showcased this ability, beating a Falcons linebacker on a deep crossing route to catch a 35-yard pass from Lawrence. Mundt, meanwhile, is a 7-year NFL veteran whose strength lies in blocking—both in the run game and in pass protection. His ability to seal off defensive ends and linebackers has made him a favorite of the Jaguars’ offensive line coaches, who often use him as a “sixth offensive lineman” in short-yardage situations. Against the Dolphins, Mundt’s block on defensive end Jaelan Phillips cleared a lane for running back Travis Etienne Jr. to score a 1-yard touchdown. “Brenton and Johnny give us two different ways to attack,” offensive coordinator Liam Coen said. “We can use Brenton to spread the defense and Johnny to open up runs—or vice versa. Defenses can’t prepare for just one of them.” Brenton Strange and Johnny Mundt Start at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars is built on this perfect balance of skill and specialization.

A key part of the Jaguars’ game plan for Strange and Mundt is their situational role distribution, which maximizes each player’s strengths based on down, distance, and defensive alignment. On first down, the duo often lines up together in a “2-tight end set”: Mundt lines up inline to block for Etienne or Tank Bigsby, while Strange shifts to the slot to draw a linebacker or safety out of the box. This formation has proven effective in the run game—during preseason, the Jaguars averaged 5.8 yards per carry when both tight ends were on the field. On second-and-long, the Jaguars typically keep Strange on the field (either inline or in the slot) to serve as a pass target, while Mundt comes off to make room for an extra wide receiver. Strange’s ability to win one-on-one matchups in these situations has made him a reliable third-down option; he caught 7 passes for 92 yards on third down in preseason. On goal-line plays, the roles reverse: Mundt stays in to block, using his strength to create a wall for running backs, while Strange lines up near the end zone to act as a decoy or short-range target. This situational flexibility ensures the Jaguars never waste a snap—every play is designed to put either Strange or Mundt in a position to succeed. Brenton Strange and Johnny Mundt Start at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars is a masterclass in situational football.

For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the tandem tight end approach has had a ripple effect on the entire offense, making it harder for defenses to focus on stopping star wide receivers like Calvin Ridley and Travis Hunter. When Strange is on the field, defenses are forced to assign a fast linebacker or safety to cover him—leaving Ridley or Hunter in one-on-one matchups with cornerbacks. Against the Dolphins, this exact scenario played out: the Dolphins shifted a safety to cover Strange, opening up the right sideline for Hunter to catch a 40-yard touchdown pass. Mundt’s blocking, meanwhile, has strengthened the run game, which in turn keeps defenses honest and prevents them from dropping extra players into coverage. “Having both Johnny and Brenton out there changes everything,” Lawrence said after a preseason win. “Defenses can’t stack the box to stop the run because they’re worried about Brenton catching a pass, and they can’t double our wide receivers because Johnny is blocking so well. It’s a win-win.” The Jacksonville Jaguars have also noticed an improvement in pass protection: Mundt’s ability to block edge rushers has given Lawrence more time to throw, reducing the number of sacks the quarterback took in preseason by 40% compared to 2024. Brenton Strange and Johnny Mundt Start at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars is a catalyst for a more balanced, unpredictable offense.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ decision to start both Strange and Mundt also aligns with their long-term goal of building a sustainable, playoff-caliber offense. Strange, at 23, represents the future of the tight end position in Jacksonville—his development into a reliable pass-catcher gives the Jaguars a young core to build around alongside Lawrence, Etienne, and Hunter. Mundt, meanwhile, serves as a mentor for Strange, sharing insights on route-running, blocking technique, and how to handle the mental side of the NFL. During film study sessions, Mundt often points out defensive tendencies to Strange, helping him anticipate coverages and make faster decisions on the field. “Johnny has taught me so much about playing tight end in this league,” Strange said. “He’s not just a teammate—he’s a teacher.” This mentorship has accelerated Strange’s growth, with Coen noting that Strange’s route-running precision and football IQ have improved dramatically since the start of training camp. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, this pairing isn’t just about winning in 2025; it’s about ensuring the tight end position remains a strength for years to come. Brenton Strange and Johnny Mundt Start at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars is an investment in both the present and the future.

Looking ahead, the Jacksonville Jaguars plan to expand the roles of Strange and Mundt even further, with Coen hinting at new packages that will use both tight ends as pass targets in the same play. In a recent practice, the Jaguars tested a “double tight end screen” play, where Lawrence threw a short pass to Strange, who then pitched the ball to Mundt for a 10-yard gain—a play that could make its regular-season debut against the Texans. “We’re just starting to scratch the surface of what this duo can do,” Coen said. “Every week, they show us something new, and we’re excited to incorporate it into our game plan.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, the success of Strange and Mundt could be the difference between a good season and a great one. If the duo continues to perform at their preseason level—Strange as a dynamic pass-catcher and Mundt as a dominant blocker—the Jaguars’ offense could become the most balanced in the AFC, with enough weapons to challenge even the toughest defenses. Brenton Strange and Johnny Mundt Start at Tight End for Jacksonville Jaguars is more than a starting assignment; it’s a statement that the Jaguars are ready to compete for an AFC South title—and beyond.