Where Does Texans C.J. Stroud Rank Among NFL QBs?

Is this a fair ranking for Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud ahead of his rookie season?

The last three seasons have been so disastrous for the Houston Texans that being ranked anywhere but last -- regardless of the category -- feels like a small victory. 

To that end, we recently released our SI/FanNation rankings of the 32 projected starting quarterbacks ahead of the 2023 season. No. 2 overall pick C.J. Stroud, presumably, will beat out Davis Mills and be the Week 1 starting quarterback for the Texans in Baltimore against the Ravens. The former Ohio State star came in at No. 30 on our countdown ahead of his rookie season: 

"New tight end Dalton Schultz has already called Stroud -- the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft class -- "a baller." That's a welcome sign for a Texans team that's won just 11 games over the last three seasons.

"Stroud's supporting cast is still being built around him, but he should be able to lead the team in the right direction with the aforementioned Schultz, running back Dameon Pierce and wide receivers Robert Woods, Nico Collins and John Metchie III at his disposal."

Stroud did edge out Sam Howell of the Washington Commanders and Desmond Ridder of the Atlanta Falcons, while coming in a spot below new Green Bay Packers starting quarterback Jordan Love. 

Among AFC South quarterbacks, Stroud did finish last, with Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 8), Ryan Tannehill of the Tennessee Titans (No. 22) and Anthony Richardson of the Indianapolis Colts (No. 29) all topping him. 

Given that Richardson was taken two picks below Stroud in this year's NFL Draft, the former being ranked among the latter will turn some heads. 

What we would say is that there's a real chance the Colts offensive line bounces back, Richardson's legs will help him as he develops as a passer and former All-Pro Jonathan Taylor is in the backfield in Indianapolis. 

Additionally, while there's a lot to like about the culture DeMeco Ryans is instilling in Houston, he's a head coach with a defensive background. New Colts head coach Shane Steichen is an offensive mind, having previously helped develop Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles. 

So it appears, at least right now, that the offensive infrastructure in Indianapolis is superior to Houston.

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