Ranking the Top 10 Rookie Wide Receivers
By Hayden Winks
Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) is tackled by UCLA Bruins defensive back Priest Willis (15) at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
6. Jaelen Strong (Round 1) – Arizona State
The Sun Devil led this group of receivers in the vertical jump at the combine and solidified himself as a first round selection. Most other lists have Jaelen Strong as the fourth best prospect in this class, but I did not see a WR1 on film (I hope my bias as a USC student is not getting in the way of these rankings). He plays stocky and is strong, no pun intended, but doesn’t show the burst and explosion the other elite receivers have.
A Rotoviz.com article argues that he is not the best player as of now but could mature into the best wide out in this class down the road. As of now, Strong looks like Anquan Boldin, who is underrated but lacks the speed to be elite.
However, Jaelen Strong is a great fit for the Texans. When Andre Johnson was released, the Texans apparently told him that the offense would be centered on Nuk Hopkins and he would only need to catch 50 passes. Strong can develop and not be forced to be the center of attention that sometimes hurts young players.
Jaelen Strong is a player who can benefit from a smaller role in his first season on two. Players like Strong can improve on route running and decision making to appear to be moving faster than he really is. Jordy Nelson is a prime example of this happening and he now is a top-10 wide receiver in the NFL.