C.J. Stroud is moving up the charts as one of the top young passers in the NFL following his breakout rookie season.
One publication, however, already believes the Houston Texans have the top gunslinger who legally still can’t rent a car.
CBS Sports Cody Benjamin listed Stroud as the best quarterback under the age of 25, beating out both Green Bay’s Jordan Love and San Francisco’s Brock Purdy. Benjamin also listed Stroud as the ninth overall player between the ages of 20-25.
“It’s not just that Stroud was both ultra-efficient and ultra-explosive (8.2 yards per pass attempt) as a rookie; it’s that his unexpected combo of both downfield aggression and ball control elevated the rest of a so-so Texans lineup,” Benjamin wrote. “His size, confidence and pocket-passing prowess have future MVP written all over them.”
While Purdy led the 49ers to a Super Bowl berth and Love proved to be a solid replacement for four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers, expectations were low for Stroud in Year 1. Houston was coming off a 3-13-1 record and did little to upgrade the passing attack in free agency outside of the addition of Dalton Schultz.
Instead, Stroud built a rapport with fellow rookie Tank Dell and 2023 breakout star Nico Collins, throwing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also tacked on three touchdowns as a runner while averaging 4.3 yards per attempt.
Stroud joined Andrew Luck, Cam Newton, Justin Herbert, and Jamies Winston as one of five passers to throw for 4,000 yards during their rookie season. He also became the youngest quarterback since then-New York Jets star Mark Sanchez in 2009 to win a playoff game after besting the Cleveland Browns in the wild-card round last January.
Although No. 9 feels low, the eight players listed ahead of Stroud have proven their sensational breakout seasons weren’t a fluke. Six players, including Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson (No. 1), Detriot’s Penei Sewell (No. 4), Miami’s Jaylen Waddle (No. 7) and Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown (No. 8) all received extensions this past offseason.
Cincinnati’s Ja’Maar Chase (No. 3) and Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb (No. 6) have posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons since 2021. And Cowboys’ Micah Parson (No. 2) and New York Jets’ Sauce Garnder (No. 5) are considered to be the best at their respective positions
Stroud, a dark horse to win league MVP in 2024, should move up the rankings next season with another dominant campaign. The Texans return to NRG Stadium for the start of training camp on July 18.