2015 NFL Draft: What Will Get Jaelen Strong Into 1st Round?

Nov 1, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) warms up prior to the game against the Utah Utes at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Jaelen Strong and his Arizona State team upset Notre Dame in Week 11.  How did the wide receiver perform?  Well, the numbers won’t really tell the story as he finished with 58 yards on five catches with a touchdown but that makes it easy to miss his impact on the game.  One could argue this ridiculous one-handed catch in the 1st quarter was what sparked the team to eventually reel off 55 points.

However, for the most part scouts have indicated they aren’t high on Strong as a potential 1st round pick in the 2015 NFL draft next April.  NFL Network expert Daniel Jeremiah clarified why in his rundown of the Sun Devils’ victory.

"“I think Alabama’s Amari Cooper and West Virginia’s Kevin White are more explosive than Strong is, but Strong might have the most consistent hands of the group. The redshirt junior is a big target and a long strider with a big catching radius. I look forward to studying him more. He did a nice job working the middle of the field on slants vs. Notre Dame and could be a big-time red-zone threat at the next level.”"

That is right in line with the way things have gone in the draft over the past few years.  Teams are looking more for that explosive player like a Tavon Austin or a Sammy Watkins, somebody who can score at the drop of a hat because of their speed and agility.  However, that does not overshadow the value of Strong in this case.

While scouts and GMs love the big-play threats, quarterbacks and coaches often prefer the more reliable targets.  The big body types with the good hands.  Jaelen Strong embodies both of those strengths and it’s why he still has a very real chance to crack the 1st round barrier in the 2015 NFL draft.