Struts is not "different" from "the" MVC architecture. Struts fits into the MVC architecture with a robust set of tools that can help you get things done.

Sure, it doesn't provide any earth-shattering functionality per se, but it's a lot of code that's very useful and that you don't have to write yourself.

I find that the struts taglibs are very helpful in creating a web site and cleanly separating display, validation, and navigation logic.

-chris