When the Jaguars announced Chase Claypool was making the move to tight end, some shrugged it off as a depth experiment. One game in, it looks like a stroke of genius.
Claypool’s debut at the new position was nothing short of dominant: 9 receptions, 139 yards, and a touchdown, with 85 of those yards coming after the catch. Lined up against linebackers and safeties, the 6’4”, 238-pound playmaker looked like a natural mismatch. His combination of size, speed, and run-after-catch ability gave Max Duggan a safety blanket and a big-play threat all in one.
What makes this rise so significant is timing. With Brian Thomas Jr. commanding top coverage, Jacksonville has been searching for a reliable second option in the passing game. Claypool answered that call immediately. On third downs, in the seams, and even in the flats, he gave Duggan a target who could move the chains and stretch the field. His 25-yard long catch highlighted just how dangerous he can be when given space.
Coach Ke has always preached versatility, and Claypool’s shift embodies that philosophy. No longer battling for reps on the outside, he’s found new life as a hybrid weapon at tight end. If this debut is any indication, Claypool isn’t just filling a role — he’s redefining it.
The Jaguars now have a legitimate three-headed monster: Claypool at tight end, Brian Thomas Jr. on the perimeter, and Travis Hunter as the do-it-all weapon. For Duggan, that means options. For defenses, it means headaches.
Claypool’s rebirth as a tight end isn’t just a storyline — it’s a turning point. Jacksonville might have just found the missing piece to balance their offense.
