Jacksonville’s decision to draft two tight ends, Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol, was a calculated move that goes far beyond simple roster depth. Under offensive coordinator Liam Coen, the Jaguars are pivoting toward a system that utilizes heavier personnel packages to create strategic advantages. This shift indicates a desire to make the offense more versatile and harder to read, regardless of the situation on the field.
While the team already possessed a reliable asset in Brenton Strange—a player known for his ability to block and operate effectively across the middle—the addition of two more prospects suggests a fundamental change in how the Jaguars approach “12 personnel” (one running back and two tight ends). Rather than telegraphing a run or a short-yardage play, Jacksonville is building a unit capable of executing complex route concepts without needing to swap players, keeping the defense in a state of constant uncertainty.
How New Additions Maximize Brenton Strange’s Versatility
Recent discussions surrounding the Jaguars’ draft haul highlight a specific need for diverse skill sets within the tight end room. In his early tenure, Brenton Strange often had to act as a “jack of all trades” because the roster lacked other flexible options at the position. By bringing in Boerkircher and Koziol, the coaching staff can finally stop relying on Strange to be the sole solution for every heavy-package requirement.
The true value of an elite 12 personnel grouping lies in the “stress” it places on a defensive coordinator. When an offense stays in a heavy formation, it forces the defense to decide between playing the run or preparing for a pass. If the tight ends on the field are equally capable of blocking and catching, the defense cannot safely commit to one or the other. This allows Coen to dictate the tempo and the matchup, using the same group of players to ask a variety of tactical questions that the defense must answer in real-time.
Using 12 Personnel to Dictate Defensive Matchups
A primary goal of this personnel shift is to alter the “defensive math” before the ball is even snapped. Traditionally, when a defense sees multiple tight ends, they consolidate their front and lean into specific coverage shells. Jacksonville is looking to disrupt those instincts. By having multiple tight ends who can release into routes or go in motion, Coen can force linebackers and safeties to declare their intentions early.
This environment is particularly beneficial for Strange. When a defense has to respect the threat of multiple receiving tight ends, they can no longer fixate on a single player. This creates cleaner passing lanes and more space for Strange to operate, ensuring his usage is more strategic and his production more consistent. It transforms the tight end position from a support role into a primary engine of the passing game.
Defining the Jaguars’ New Offensive Identity Under Liam Coen
Drafting two players at the same position in a single class is a clear signal of intent regarding a team’s identity. For the Jaguars, it suggests that they are prioritizing structural soundness. By investing in the tight end room, the team is ensuring they don’t have to rely on “light” formations or specialized personnel just to move the chains. They want to be able to play big and physical without sacrificing speed or creativity.
This approach builds a foundation of reliability. Before a team can become explosive, it must be able to sustain drives and control the clock. Jacksonville is equipping itself with the tools to stay “heavy” on the field while remaining dynamic through the air. In modern NFL offenses, this type of flexibility is how a specific personnel grouping evolves from a situational package into a signature feature of the team’s philosophy.
Final Thoughts on Jacksonville’s Strategic Shift
The Jaguars are clearly moving toward a more sophisticated offensive structure by diversifying their tight end room. By adding Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol alongside Brenton Strange, Liam Coen is building a unit that prioritizes flexibility and defensive manipulation. This strategy not only lightens the load on Strange but also allows the Jaguars to dictate matchups and maintain a physical presence without becoming predictable. It is a smart, foundational move that prepares the offense for a more balanced and tactically superior future.
