Jaelen Strong to Houston Texans: Full Draft Pick Breakdown

It took some sacrifice, but the Houston Texans finally got their man.

If the Texans hadn’t drafted wide receiver Jaelen Strong in the third round, you’d have been right in calling this draft a failure. From the very beginning of the offseason the Texans set out to replace Andre Johnson, and minus two late-round picks and DeVier Posey, they look to have done that.

Busy on the phone all day, general manager Rick Smith pulled off another miracle to draft Strong on Friday night. A trade with the New York Jets sent the Texans up to the 70th spot with just enough time to draft perhaps the last remaining top-round talent at the wide receiver position.

Meeting all three of their biggest needs in the top three rounds was nice, but the Texans haven’t replaced Andre Johnson by a long shot. What Strong will bring to the Texans offense is entirely different. Since he’s likely to fit on the outside or in the slot, Strong will bring a red zone threat to the offense that was sorely needed.

Since so many receivers disappeared in the first round, the Texans didn't get the speed guy they may have been looking for. Strong’s speed is average at best, and he wasn’t even close to being the best route-runner available. What Strong does have, though, is playmaking ability, and that should count for a lot.

In terms of playing time, Strong will see the field plenty. The free-agent signing of Cecil Shorts means the two players will have to share the workload. Since Strong is so trustworthy on third-down situations, it’s likely he’s brought in on most drives to help move the chains.

Strong should sit second or third on the depth chart come the end of training camp, and even though he is great on third down, his route running could use some work. It’s likely offensive coordinator George Godsey brings him in on drawn-up deep routes, since Strong is especially skillful over his shoulder.

Physically, Strong measures up at 6’2", 217 lbs, meaning he can jump high for contested balls. He isn’t afraid to get chippy with cornerbacks, either, which might not be great as far as penalties are concerned.

The best part about Strong’s sturdy frame, though, is that he’s probably going to be handling a few kickoffs or punt returns every now and then. Whether or not head coach Bill O’Brien values Strong too much to make him the full-time starter remains to be seen, but with such a big body, Strong could still make up some ground.

Strong may lack speed, but that’s not everything in a receiver. If he can come into practices and master his routes while developing a good rapport with Ryan Mallett and the coaches, it will go a long way in telling us if Strong is the No. 2 guy behind DeAndre Hopkins.

Overall, this trade was the best part of the Texans’ draft. It answers a need, and since the Texans gave up so much, it’s a good thing they received a promising reward.