Jaelen Strong

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.