Solving quarterback is both the easiest and challenging part of executing a complete rebuild in the NFL. The easy part stems from an organization being so terrible as to amount enough draft capital to take a young signal caller. The challenging part arises from determining whether that young passer will pan out.
Take a look at the quarterbacks from Nick Caserio’s first draft as general manager in 2021. If Zach Wilson was so convincing, the New York Jets would not have traded for Aaron Rodgers. Trey Lance isn’t even with the San Francisco 49ers. Justin Fields may be keeping the seat warm for Caleb Williams in Chicago, and Mac Jones may not even be the best quarterback on the New England Patriots’ roster. The only team that got it right were the Jacksonville Jaguars with Trevor Lawrence, all due to their picking No. 1 overall.
Albeit the Texans are six games into the C.J. Stroud era, it is safe to say the organization has found their quarterback and are further ahead than the Jets, Bears, and Patriots. The No. 2 overall pick is fourth in the NFL with 1,660 passing yards, tied with Sam Howell and Justin Herbert for the ninth-most passing touchdowns with nine, and has the eighth-highest passer rating at 96.4.
It isn’t so much Stroud is impressive as a rookie, but rather he is stable. The personnel and scouting department don’t have to devote as many resources to fixing under center because Stroud’s play has it locked down.
Having a stable quarterback also allows the offense to grow. Instead of working with a new signal caller annually, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik can expect the same player under center, which will speed things up considerably during the offseason workouts.
Stroud and the Texans still have 11 games to fascinate Houston sports fans. However, there is a greater opportunity in 2024 now that the Texans have found their starting quarterback.
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