The Texans swapped picks with the New York Jets in the third round to select Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong.
The Texans moved up to select 70th overall from 82nd, giving up their fifth-round pick (152st), a seventh-round pick via Cleveland (229th). Wide receiver DeVier Posey was also part of the trade to the Jets, who have former Texans scout Mike MacCagnon as their general manager. Houston made a pair of trades for both their picks in Friday's NFL Draft.
Many projected him to be selected as high as the first round, but the young wide receiver wasn't concerned with where he went in the draft.
"You know, I'm not really worried about that," Strong said in his Friday conference call. "I told the Houston Texans when I was down there, no matter which round I went in, I'm here to work, I'm here to be a competitor, and I can't wait to get there."
Strong made one team visit to Houston during the draft process. Strong said his big body, catching radius, and winning 50/50 balls were among his best qualities as a receiver.
"I don't think my film lies at all," Strong said. "I'm just really excited. I can't wait to get there and see what the Houston Texans have in store for me."
Strong (6-2, 217) finished his collegiate career as a redshirt junior, recording the third-highest number of catches in a single season effort (82) and finishing with 10 touchdowns in 2014. He earned honors as a first-team All-Pac-12 and was voted ESPN.com All-American as a Sundevil.
"When he has to go up and get it, he'll go up and get his rebound, metaphorically speaking," John Harris said. "I still think he's a Top 32 prospect but I also see there's massive room to improve. He's really only scratching the surface with his physical gifts but a good WR teacher and solid, consistent QB play will aid in that development."
To read more analysis about Jaelen Strong, click here for the John Harris Prospect of the Day.
Take a look at Jaelen Strong's football career at Arizona State.
