Jaguars plan around 12 personnel with two rookies at tight end
Jacksonville added two tight ends in this draft, but not just to give them some depth at the position. The Jaguars chose Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol because Liam Coen wants bigger bodies who can fill more roles.
This isn’t just a rookie storyline. Coen already has Brenton Strange, a player who can block, move and work the middle of the field. But adding two more tight ends suggests a wider plan to make 12 personnel more versatile and harder to read for defences.
Even after the draft, the Jaguars stayed consistent in their approach, focusing on building a room with more versatile skill sets. Strange has often been viewed as a catch-all solution simply because the team didn’t have many other options. Now, with two more tight ends added to the mix, Jacksonville can stop relying on him to be their only multi-purpose option.
Success in 12 personnel hinges on whether you can keep the defence off-balance. Can you remain heavy enough to suggest a run while still being able to shift into a pass concept without changing personnel? The Jaguars are working toward that balance by bringing in players who allow Coen to keep the same group on the field while offering different looks.
How the Jaguars plan to force defences into early adjustments
When a defence sees two tight ends on the field, it usually tries to narrow down what the offence might run. Jacksonville wants to change that approach. One tight end can help secure the line, while another can move around or stretch the coverage, giving Coen more options for how he reads linebackers and safeties.
Strange stands to benefit most from this setup. If opponents have to account for multiple players instead of focusing just on him, he should find cleaner routes and a more defined role in the offence.
The Jaguars are still figuring out what they want to be under Coen, but adding two tight ends in one draft class gives a clear indication of their intentions. It points to a desire for heavier packages that aren’t telegraphed and a passing game that isn’t dependent on favourable looks.
It’s an early step towards stability rather than chasing quick gains. Jacksonville is building ways to play bigger without sacrificing speed, making 12 personnel more than just a formation label – it could become a real part of their identity.
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