Wide receivers are always trying to talk up their quarterbacks, and Houston Texans second-year target Tank Dell is doing a bit more than praising reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud these days.
During a recent appearance on the I Am Athlete podcast network, Dell broke down his rookie season, his recovery after being shot earlier this offseason, and his goals for the 2024 season. Dell also praised Stroud for his leadership, preparation and continued growth as the team’s X-factor in a run for the division title.
Dell has high hopes for the offense in Year 2 under the Bobby Slowik-Stroud marriage. He also believes the former No. 2 overall pick is the second-best quarterback in the pros entering training camp.
“He just brings a special type of swag,” Dell said. “I for sure feel like C.J. got the opportunity to be the best quarterback in the league. … What the world sees, they’re seeing exactly what we’re seeing. How he just coming out there as a 21-year-old man going against grown men, and he’s out here just balling every week. How consistent he is.
“I feel like C.J. gotta keep doing what he’s doing to bridge the gap between him and [Patrick] Mahomes.”
Stroud, who last season became the fifth rookie in league history to throw 4,000-plus yards in his first year, put together a campaign to remember. Not only did he become the youngest passer to win a playoff game, but Stroud joined Tom Brady and Joe Montana as the only quarterbacks to lead the league in touchdown-to-interception ratio and passing yards per game.
In February, Mahomes secured his third Super Bowl title and Super Bowl MVP before turning 30. He’s been an MVP favorite each season since 2018 and a vital reason why Kansas City has won four AFC titles in six seasons.
Perhaps Dell is being a bit impulsive in comparing Stroud to this generation’s Brady, but the upside is through the roof for the two-time Heisman finalist entering Year 2. Much like Mahomes during his MVP season in 2018, Stroud has done things that few have accomplished in league history, let alone their first year.
Mahomes is the league’s top quarterback this season. Heck, on his current trajectory, he might go down as the most complete passer the league has ever seen.
That doesn’t mean Stroud can’t give him a run for individual honors each season alongside names like Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow. And much remains a mystery for Stroud compared to the others since he’s played only one season.
Dell, Stroud and the Texans could be Mahomes and the Chiefs’ top threat to their chances to three-peat. If the rookie continues to improve, an opportunity to boost his MVP odds could be on the line when the two squads meet in Kansas City on Dec. 21.