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San Francisco 49ers: Making the case for Jaelen Strong

By Brett Clancy

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Ever since signing former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver, Torrey Smith, to a 5-year, $40 million contract, draft analysts sending a wide receiver to the  San Francisco 49ers in the first round have become few and far between. Part of this is due to the meteoric rise of West Virginia’s Kevin White who went from being a promising talent likely to be available at the 49ers pick, to arguably the best wide receiver in the draft.

In his wake, Oregon defensive lineman, Arik Armstead, has become the heavy favorite among draftniks, and with his size (6’7, 292 pounds) and impressive, but raw, talents he seems like a perfect fit for defensive-line-specialist-turned-head-coach, Jim Tomsula. Honestly, I’d have nothing bad to say if Armstead’s name get called at pick 15, I just don’t see it as a huge need for a defense that has seen it’s share of injuries and free agent departures and embraced the ‘next man up’ mentality.

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The wide receiver position, on the other hand, is in flux. Three of last years top four wide receivers are no longer with the team (though Brandon Lloyd is still available as a free agent.) That leaves unproven youngsters Bruce Ellington and Quinton Patton behind Boldin and Smith on the depth chart. In 2014, Patton and Ellington had 9 catches for 106 yards, combined. This group went from big bodied possession receivers to small and speedy receivers in a hurry.

This is where Arizona State wide receiver, Jaelen Strong, comes in; 6’2, 217 pounds and noted for his physical play style and exceptional ball skills. He also ran a 4.46 in his 40 yard dash at the combine. Strong was one of the best receivers in college football last season, and he could have been even better with improved QB play. (I counted at least 3 times he got open against Washington’s Marcus Peters only to watch the ball sail over his head.)

Jaelen Strong is a perfect fit for a 49ers team lacking in red zone options, and a legitimate size/speed threat outside of tight end Vernon Davis, who is in a contract year and coming off one of the worst statistical performances of his career. Strong is already used to playing with a mobile quarterback from Arizona State, which means he’s already adept at working back towards the QB when a play breaks down, and can make the quick change from receiver to downfield blocker if the QB starts to scramble.

Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) attempts to catch the ball under pressure from UCLA Bruins defensive back Priest Willis (15) at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Unlike some of the more slender prospects in his height range, Strong isn’t afraid to use his size, he’s comfortable lining up in the slot where he can become a matchup nightmare going over the middle, as well as lining up outside the numbers.

He is a willing blocker in the run game, and isn’t afraid to lay a shoulder into a defender to a clear a path for one of his fellow pass catchers. (he lays out a Utah player at minute 3:35 in this clip from Draft Breakdown.)

What makes Strong particularly intriguing for the 49ers specifically is how well his size and skill set lines up with that of the now 34 year old Anquan Boldin (6’1, 220 pounds.) Having lost a step from his younger years, but still able to use his size and precise route running to get open Boldin is an ideal mentor for Strong.

Boldin’s strong hands and ability to make contested catches quickly made him Colin Kaepernick’s favorite target when he joined the team in 2013 and the 49ers can’t afford to lose that aspect of the game when Boldin retires, or if he gets injured. If they draft Jaelen Strong, they won’t have to.

There was a bit of a health concern for Strong, who has been dealing with a fractured bone in his wrist, and may have caused his stock to slip in some circles. But ESPN’s Adam Schefter has reported Strong was cleared by the Pittsburgh Steelers doctors earlier in the week. The injury was never reported to be anything serious or threatening, but it’s a nice reassurance all the same.

The biggest question with taking Strong at 15 is regarding his value. This is a deep wide receiver class and the 49ers are clearly planning to lean on Boldin and Smith while hoping for second year improvement from Bruce Ellington out of the slot. They could wait and try to grab Tre McBride on day two of the draft. Georgia Tech’s DeAndre Smelter and Central Arkansas’ Dezmin Lewis also loom as potential steals later in the draft, is Strong worth a top 15 pick?

Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong catches a pass during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Given the current lack of depth at the position I would say, yes. One injury could prove catastrophic for this group right now, and recent experiences have left my faith somewhat lacking in the teams ability to add immediate contributors in the later rounds.

Strong isn’t the most polished prospect, but he’s talented enough to see plenty of playing time and give the 49ers, and young QB Colin Kaepernick, added confidence in their receiver depth without having to worry about the off field issues of Dorial Green-Beckham or inconsistent hands of Breshad Perriman or Devin Funchess.

For me the bottom line is the defense has proven capable of playing at a high level with the ‘next man up’ mentality and Baalke has had more success adding depth and talent on that side of the ball, particularly in the mid rounds. The same cannot be said for the passing game, which desperately needs to improve. Strong is a top prospect at the position and an excellent fit for the 49ers.

Next: San Francisco 49ers: 5 Best Offseason Moves

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