Jaelen Strong
Arizona State, WR
Height: 6.4
Weight: 212
40yd: 4.44
Age: 21
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Athleticism: C-
A raw athlete whose athletic ability does not translate to the football field. Ran an excellent forty time for someone of his stature, but playing speed is average-to-above-average. Lacks an explosive first step or burst out of breaks. Long strider without much lateral quickness. Gets by on sheer size and straight line speed. Tested very well at the combine, but athletic ability did not stand out on tape.
Catching: B+
Possesses very strong hands to make difficult catches. However, his technique is still developing and will drop some balls that he should have caught. Focus and intensity appear to be issues on the field and will let some easy throws get away from him. Doesn’t dominate fifty-fifty balls the way that is expected of someone his size and ability. Can be outmuscled by smaller, more competitive receivers. Consistently wins jump ball and back shoulder situations with his frame and vertical leap.
Routes: C
Still developing as a football player with his technique and routes still a work in progress. Shows the strength and ability to defeat the jam and get into his routes, but still requires some refinement. Shows an adequate ability to sink his hips, but more often than not will veer into his routes and lacks crispness as a route runner. Was best utilized along the sideline and vertically. Struggles to separate and uncover in zone, which magnifies his iffy contested catch ability.
After Catch: C
Runs through defenders more than he will run around them. Size and strength enables him to pick up yards after the catch, but is by no means a runaway train. Doesn’t have much elusiveness, but is able to build up to long speed when he has a crease.
Blocking: B
Size and strength are his best asset in this area. Takes good angles and is able to cover up defenders on the perimeter. Doesn’t dominate competition and could stand to give more effort, but is more than adequate as is.
Red Flags: Raw Talent
Bottom Line: Though only a two-year starter as a JUCO transfer, Jaelen Strong has flashed the ability to be a high-end receiver. Strong does his best work along the sideline and getting into the end zone, but is inconsistent with his technique and pass-catching. Though he has plenty of developing left to do, Strong will more than likely be selected in the first round by a team with a vertical philosophy on offense. Likely will be over-drafted based on upside and has a bust-factor. Floor is as a Jonathan Baldwin-type, with his ceiling similar to Alshonn Jeffrey.
Comparison: Jonathan Baldwin
Grade: 8.3 (3rd Round)
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