The Baltimore Ravens hold the No. 26 pick in the 2015 NFL draft. Over a span of two weeks, the Ravens blog will take a quick look at 10 prospects who might be available and be a fit for Baltimore at that spot. We continue the second week with a big-play wide receiver:
Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State
Chances he's available at No. 26: It depends on whom you're asking. In their latest mock drafts, Mel Kiper Jr. has Strong going to the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 18, and Todd McShay doesn't have Strong going in the first round. Strong has made pre-draft visits to the Browns (No. 19), Eagles (No. 20) and Steelers (No. 22). No skill-position player from Arizona State has been selected in the first round since 2001, when the Ravens drafted tight end Todd Heap with the No. 31 overall pick.
Why he'd be a good pick for the Ravens: Strong is a playmaker that the Ravens need in the passing game. He uses his excellent height and long arms to win battles on downfield throws. Strong has a wide catch radius, which the Ravens love in their receivers, and he can make plays all over the field. He has good focus to make catches over the middle in traffic and he can turn short hitches into big gains because of his physicalness after the catch. Strong should be a great weapon in the red zone.
Why he wouldn't: He doesn't replace Torrey Smith's speed. Strong doesn't have much suddenness to his game, and he doesn't consistently get separation on man-to-man coverage deep downfield. He's a long strider and needs time to fully accelerate. Some project him as a possession receiver, given his physical traits.
Stat to note: Strong is one of just three receivers in school history to have multiple 1,000-yard seasons. Derek Hagan and Shaun McDonald are the others.
Extra point: ESPN's Chantel Jennings took a look at Strong's film study.
