Jaelen Strong
  • Jaelen Strong

  • WR
  • ,
  • 30
  • 217 lbs
  • 6' 2"
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Scouting report

by Bob Harris

HOU WR Jaelen Strong - 2017 Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy Upside

In the aftermath of the 2016 NFL Draft, in which the Texans chose wide receivers in the first (Will Fuller) and third (Braxton Miller) rounds, some suggested the organization's decision to devote two premium picks to that position was a referendum on Strong's future in Houston. Strong, a player who had first-round buzz in certain circles in 2015 before the Texans traded up to grab him in the third round, struggled to consistently produce as a rookie. After Strong reported to his first NFL offseason program out of shape, he never got out of head coach Bill O'Brien's doghouse. A marijuana arrest last February didn't help his cause any, but things have changed in Houston. This offseason, Strong enlisted the help of quarterback Tom Savage and receivers DeAndre Hopkins and Fuller and they threw together and worked out in preparation for the 2017 season. For Strong, the time together has paid dividends

Fantasy Downside

Strong's second season ended prematurely in 2016, as he played his final game in Week 7 at Denver. On the year, he finished with 14 catches for 131 yards and no touchdowns. So limited production over two seasons is a concern.

2017 Bottom Line

With Fuller out indefinitely due to a broken collarbone, Strong is competing with Miller for the No. 2 WR role opposite Hopkins. In fact, with Miller slowed by a sore ankle the second week of August, Strong's opportunity seems prime. But he'll still likely be relegated to waiver-wire fodder barring a sudden (and unlikely) surge.

by Scot Berggren

HOU WR Jaelen Strong - Week 1, 2016 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 1 vs. Chicago
After a disappointing rookie season in which he only caught 14 passes, Jaelen Strong heads in to his second year battling for playing time. DeAndre Hopkins is the clear No. 1 option in the passing game, making Strong not much more than a desperation fantasy start. This early in the season there have to be better options for you to play at WR.

by Bob Harris

HOU WR Jaelen Strong - 2016 Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy Upside
In the aftermath of the 2016 NFL Draft during which the Texans chose wide receivers in the first (Will Fuller) and third (Braxton Miller) rounds, some questioned whether the organization's decision to devote two premium picks to the position was a referendum on Jaelen Strong's future in Houston. Strong, a player who had first round buzz in certain circles only a year ago before the Texans traded up to grab him in the third round, struggled to consistently produce as a rookie. After he reported to his first time in an NFL offseason program out of shape, Strong never got out of HC Bill O'Brien's doghouse. He has to avoid similar circumstances this year.

Fantasy Downside
Strong was arrested for marijuana possession in February. Adding Fuller and Miller to depth chart led by DeAndre Hopkins means Strong's opportunity was already shrinking before he even got into his second offseason program -- let alone his second season.

2016 Bottom Line
Adding Fuller and Miller to a depth chart led by DeAndre Hopkins means Strong's opportunity was already shrinking before he entered his second off-season program, but reports out of Houston suggest Strong made great strides during OTAs. After the first day of minicamp, HC Bill O'Brien called the second-year wideout "one of the most improved players on the team." If Fuller struggles to pick up the offense, it's worth noting Strong has a jump on him in that regard.

by Scot Berggren

HOU WR Jaelen Strong - Week 6, 2015 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 6 at Jacksonville
Jaelen Strong made the most of his opportunity last Thursday in the loss to the Colts, collecting two receptions for 53 yards and his first two NFL touchdowns. With Cecil Shorts and Nate Washington out due to injuries, Jaelen caught a 42-yard Hail Mary to close out the first half and later scored on an 11-yard grab. DeAndre Hopkins will still dominate the targets from Brian Hoyer, but check the injury report on the other receivers. Strong makes for only a desperation WR play on Sunday at Jacksonville.

by Scot Berggren

HOU WR Jaelen Strong - Week 1, 2015 Fantasy Football Outlook

Week 1 vs. Kansas City
With Brian Hoyer at QB and the Texans looking to control the ground game, don’t expect much from rookie WR Jaelen Strong -- especially during the first month of the season. He is behind veterans Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts on the depth chart, so just getting on the field will be a challenge. Definitely do not start the rookie in Week 1.

by Bob Harris

HOU WR Jaelen Strong - 2015 Fantasy Football Outlook

Fantasy Upside
More than a few observers expected Jaelen Strong to be drafted in the first round. But he lasted until the third, prompting the Texans to trade up to secure his services. Strong’s wait was the Houston’s gain, but we’ll have to wait and see if it works in his favor as well. Strong knows the Texans have an opening opposite DeAndre Hopkins, but it’s too early to predict who’s going to fill the huge shoes of Andre Johnson, who was released and signed with Indianapolis. There is certainly reason for optimism. CBSSports.com compares Strong to Saints wideout Marques Colston: “The size/athleticism mix makes it tough on defensive backs to match up, especially when players like Colston and Strong use their power and frame.” NFL.com compared him to Dwayne Bowe. HoustonTexans.com put it like this: “Every ball is his. Quite simply put, like Hopkins, he wants the rock and he’s going to get it.”

Fantasy Downside
Strong’s top-end speed isn’t great and his route-running needs work. In addition, veteran presence of veteran newcomers Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts give the team capable bodies to handle the workload until Strong is fully up to speed.

Fantasy Upside
All that makes Strong a player worth watching once the season begins with the hope he emerges as a viable free agent pickup at some point. For now, he can be left undrafted in all but dynasty and the deepest of redraft leagues.