Aug 28, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) catches a pass as Weber State Wildcats cornerback Cordero Dixon (2) defends during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jaelen Strong, Wide Receiver, 6’2″ 217 Pounds
Again, “Trader Rick” was open for moving up in round three, and again he found an absolute steal. This time they moved up from the 82nd spot to the 7oth spot. It cost them their 80th selection in the third round as well as a fifth, a seventh and receiver DeVier Posey.
It was well worth it to get the stud receiver, Jaelen Strong out of Arizona State who had 1,165 yards and ten touchdowns on 82 receptions in 2014. His most famous catch was a game winner, known simply as the “Jael-Mary.”
How He Helps The Houston Texans
The Texans picked up Cecil Shorts and Nate Washington in free agency to put with current star receiver DeAndre Hopkins. While Hopkins is a very good receiver, Washington and Shorts were merely affordable veterans that can contribute to the team.
Then, there is Strong. He will most likely crack the starting rotation before his rookie season is done, and could very well do so before the season starts.
Projected by most to be a first or second round choice, he finds himself on the perfect team after falling into the third round. In Houston he can line up opposite Hopkins and create a stacked one-two punch that the offense can build around.
Teams can no longer simply try and take Hopkins out of the game since there is another playmaker now on the roster.
Next: Keith Mumphrey , Fifth Round Pick