Houston Texans: Making the case for Jaelen Strong

By Luis Tirado Jr. | Apr 30, 2015

The 2015 NFL Draft is finally upon us as the Houston Texans have a golden opportunity to continue bolstering their team this offseason. With the No. 16 overall pick, the Texans have a few team needs to address that could ultimately give them what they need to push the envelope come next season. While many feel they should add an inside linebacker or cornerback, I believer their No. 1 priority is at wide receiver. That is why I’m making the case for the Texans to draft Jaelen Strong with their first-round overall pick.

In my final mock draft of the year, I actually had the Texans take Strong who I feel is a hidden gem on this year’s draft. At 6’2″ and 217 pounds, Strong is a prototypical kind of wide receiver that can step right in and contribute immediately.

More from Houston Texans

It’s no secret that with the departure of wide receiver Andre Johnson, the Texans definitely have a void to fill on their receiving corps. Strong would work very well with hopeful starting quarterback Brian Hoyer with his ability to catch anything coming his way.

In his collegiate career at Arizona State of just two years, Strong contributed 2,287 yards, 17 touchdowns and had a 14.6 average of yards per catch. With some experience at kickoff and punt return coverage as well, Strong could end up being quite the offensive weapon for the Texans.

Of course Strong isn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination as he still has some work to do in order to hone his craft. He will need some more coaching on his technique and how to execute running his routes more effectively. Aside from that, he will surprise many with how well he transitions into the pros.

While Strong isn’t one of the fastest receivers in this year’s draft, his skill-set of being able to gain an upper hand against defensive backs makes him worth bringing aboard. The possibilities of pairing him up with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins are endless.

Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 88th annual territorial cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Both receivers combined could give the Texans a much better offensive threat and also give Hoyer a nice group of receivers ready to take the NFL by storm. If they want to compete this upcoming season in the AFC South, it’s time they add some much-needed offensive weapons into the mix.

Andrew Luck and his Indianapolis Colts have gotten upgrades as have the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. The division is shaping up to be a tough one and if the Texans have any hope of being competitive, it all starts with bolstering their offense. Strong would give them that boost and much more once he settles into life in the NFL.

Overall, I would love to see the damage Strong would do with these up-and-coming Texans.With a new quarterback at the helm in Hoyer who has much to prove on his new team, drafting Strong could be the missing piece the Texans need to really make some noise this upcoming season and beyond. Make no mistake about it, the Texans will indeed have a statement to make once everything falls into place.

Next: Houston Texans: Is wide receiver Nelson Agholor a good fit?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Houston Texans