C.J. Stroud proved in 2023 he is already one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL in just his first season with the Houston Texans.
He finished the season first in passing yards per game, first in interception rate, eighth in passing yards and 13th in passing touchdowns. Stroud also finished as the 13th-graded quarterback in 2023, per Pro Football Focus. His aggression helped Stroud’s cause, as he led the league in percentage of passing attempts past the sticks at 46.7% and paced in the 87th percentile with a 94.7 PFF grade on those throws.
Stroud did all this with a first-time offensive play-caller in Bobby Slowik, two young pass-catchers in Nico Collins and Tank Dell and a quality offensive line. His prowess in the pocket culminated in an AFC South title, a playoff win and the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The 13th-rated quarterback isn’t a moniker to hang his hat on, but it’s a good starting point for a young and ascending quarterback. Stroud will start 2024 with a full season of experience under his belt with the same staff and – potentially – major upgrades either on the offensive line or with skill position players.