Dec 27, 2014; El Paso, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) jumps in the air to catch a pass against the Duke Blue Devils in the 2014 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports
Jaelen Strong 6’2″, 217 Pounds, 21 Years Old
The biggest reason Washington may be in trouble is this man here, Jaelen Strong. A receiver with the talent to become a number two guy, he could put Washington in a battle with Shorts, where the team will have to decide between youth (Shorts) and durability (Washington).
Some Background Info;
The Philadelphia born receiver, Strong started his collegiate career at Pierce College in Los Angeles before transferring to Arizona State. He racked up 157 catches for 2,287 yards and 17 touchdowns in his two seasons in Tempe.
What was most impressive about Strong was that each season he improved all his statistics as well as showing better understanding and route running. He has great speed and leaping ability and could develop into a top wide out for the Texans.
A true stud at the position, Strong was considered by many to be a first round talent and after falling to Houston in round three, he may go down as the steal of this draft when all is said and done.
What To Expect This Year;
There was a need at the wide receiver position for Houston and Strong could not have found a better landing spot to begin his career. I expect Jaelen to find himself on the field an awful lot his rookie season and he has a real shot to be the number two guy opposite DeAndre before the year ends.
I expect him to potentially post more catches than Shorts and his size and ability to go over the middle could be a huge benefit to the quarterback, especially when considering the poor performance of every tight end on the roster last year.
Next: The Undersized Receiver