Texans selected Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The latest — and greatest — prospect to come off what has become the Buckeyes’ quarterback assembly line, Stroud (6’3/214) blew up the box score en route to back-to-back top-four Heisman finishes in 2021-22, producing 85 touchdowns to only 12 interceptions. He completed over 69 percent of his passes while averaging nearly 10 yards per attempt. The environment, of course, helped. Stroud was playing with at least three future first-round receivers, as well as two of the top offensive tackles in the 2023 class. That allowed Stroud to sit back and dissect overwhelmed opposing defenses. But that is never a given, and Stroud used his clean pockets to attack defenses rather than sit back. Stroud’s accuracy, arm strength, and ball placement are all first-round level. Stroud does need to improve outside of structure and would stand to benefit from using his legs a little more. He is nevertheless worthy of the second overall pick and every bit a potential franchise player. Having settled on the best thrower of the ball available to them, Houston should see a considerable uptick in their pass production this year. Nico Collins currently stands to benefit the most from this move, though the Texans could be eying more receiving talent with pick No. 12.
Apr 27, 2023, 8:26 PM ET
