Mock Draft Roundup: Eagles Trade Up For Marcus Mariota

Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaelen Strong (21) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 88th annual territorial cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

WalterFootball.com: 2015 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 – Walter Cherepinski of WalterFootball.com

Now here’s an intriguing pick from the WalterFootball.com latest mock draft. They have the Eagles selecting Arizona State wide receiver Jaelen Strong. Philadelphia has shown interest in the former Sun Devil, they brought him in for an official pre-draft visit, according to Strong’s personal Instagram account. Strong is a big bodied receiver at 6’2″, 217 lbs. with 32 1/2″ arms and a ridiculous 42″ vertical jump.

But it’s not like he has the size and doesn’t use it on the field. Strong isn’t the best route runner but he makes up for the lack of separation by going up and snatching any ball that is thrown in his direction. He made highlight grab after highlight grab during his collegiate career and what he does well should translate seamlessly to the next level. Although he’s a bit smaller, Strong reminds me of Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin. Here’s the site’s explanation for the pick:

"20. Philadelphia Eagles: Jaelen Strong, WR, Arizona State Jeremy Maclin surprised everyone by signing with the Chiefs (i.e. sabotaging his career). The Eagles will probably take a receiver in the first three rounds, and Chip Kelly is very familiar with this Pac-12 receiver. I went back and forth between Jaelen Strong and Nelson Agholor. If you didn’t see it, Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com wrote a great article about why he thinks Agholor will be Philadelphia’s selection. I went with Strong because I have him higher on my board, but I could definitely see this pick being Agholor."

Next: Yahoo.com: Eagles select B. Jones and D. Smith