C.J. Stroud is just getting warmed up as he enters his second season with the Houston Texans. While that’s a positive for DeMeco Ryans and Co., it’s a nightmare for 31 opposing teams heading into 2024.
Executives around the league tend to agree. Stroud, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, isn’t slowing down heading into his sophomore season and could be close to entering the “elite” category that ends with an MVP Award.
ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler surveyed NFL executives, coaches and scouts to get a feel about the quarterbacks heading into training camp. Stroud, who guided Houston to its first AFC South division title since 2019, was listed at No. 7, sandwiched between Justin Herbert and Aaron Rodgers.
“He’s as good as anybody, honestly,” one veteran NFC scout said. “He’s got to do it again, but the arm talent combined with taking care of the ball and the ability to process was impressive.”
Last season, Stroud joined Tom Brady and Joe Montana as the only two quarterbacks led the league in passing yards per game and touchdown-to-interception ratio in the same season.
Stroud, who threw 23 touchdown passes against five interceptions, also never seemed fazed by the limelight. On the biggest stage, he seemed poised to lead a comeback and played like a veteran.
One voter said Stroud “set the standard” for rookie quarterbacks after posting the third-most passing yards in NFL rookie history.
“Has so much poise. He stands in the pocket and delivers the football,” an NFC executive said. “Stands tall. Doesn’t see colors coming at him.”
Stroud should only improve with another year in Bobby Slowik’s play-action system. Several voters pointed out that the two-time Heisman finalist was complemented by an exceptional supporting cast, headlined by breakout receiver Nico Collins, rookie Tank Dell and veteran tight end Dalton Schultz.
Schultz and Collins agreed to new deals earlier this offseason and will be a part of Stroud’s arsenal through 2026. Dell, the third-round pick out of Houston, is under contract through 2026 as well.
Houston also brought in Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs to alleviate the pressure off Stroud having to play the role of hero. The Texans also will have a healthy offensive line for the first time since Stroud’s arrival last April.
Another voter, an NFL official, said Stroud has “cut down on the throws he would miss in college.” That has allowed him to build confidence in an offense that could lead the leauge in total yards and scoring this fall.
“The Texans have helped him with play-action and defined throws and he’s capitalized as a big, strong thrower with elite ball placement,” the high-ranking official said. “They’ve made it fun for him.”
Houston returns to training camp this Thursday.