Philly native Strong hopes to impress at NFL combine

When Jaelen Strong's name is called after his selection in the NFL draft, the wide receiver will be identified as an Arizona State product. But he's from Philadelphia, and the West Catholic alumnus takes "huge pride" in representing the city.

"It's just hard to make it out," said Strong, who is from the "uptown" section of Mount Airy. "You've got to be on the right path. You've got to stay focused because it's easy to veer off and get caught in the wrong situations."

Strong could be the second Philadelphia native in three seasons to be selected in the first round. Sharrif Floyd was a first-round pick in 2013.

In a crowded wide-receiver class, Strong is among the best. At 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds, he has ideal size. He finished with 82 catches for 1,165 yards and 10 touchdowns last season even with instability at quarterback.

Strong was not a major prospect coming out of West Catholic and was not eligible for Division I, but he flourished at junior college in the Los Angeles area. Strong arrived at Arizona State in 2013 and became one of the best receivers in the country.

NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock compared Strong's physical tools to those of Larry Fitzgerald coming out of Pittsburgh. Strong is raw, but he has a big body and strong hands.

Mayock thinks Strong is a second-round pick who could evolve into a late first-rounder, although his 40-yard dash Saturday will be important.

"That's everybody's big question," Strong said. "I can't wait to get out there."

He would not reveal what time he hoped to achieve. Mayock said there is a "huge difference" between 4.5 seconds and 4.6 seconds.

Strong has been working out in Arizona, focusing on getting in and out of his breaks. He said he did not do that well enough at Arizona State.

Strong makes it back to Philadelphia three to four times a year. He is the latest player from the city who will make it to the NFL.

"Even at West Catholic, I knew I had the chance to play at this level if I just put my mind to it and worked hard enough," Strong said. "The thing about me is I haven't reached my peak yet."