Texans QB C.J. Stroud Listed Among Top Rookie of the Year Candidates

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is viewed as a leading candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Since the Houston Texans entered the league as an expansion franchise in 2002, David Carr (2002), Deshaun Watson (2017) and Dameon Pierce (2022) have all received down-ballot support for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, but no one from the organization has ever taken home the honor. 

Quarterback C.J. Stroud -- the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft -- has a chance to change that in 2023. Chris Trapasso of CBS Sports recently ranked his top Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates, with Stroud coming in third: 

"Stroud will make plenty of wow throws as a rookie. There'll be some times when we all wished he was a touch more dynamic gliding away from oncoming defenders. Finally, the Texans appear to be moving in the right direction after two years of total stagnancy, yet the receiver group is far from menacing. Stroud will elevate those around him often but not frequently enough to garner major OROY consideration." 

The Texans did add former Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz this offseason, along with veteran wide receiver Robert Woods. If fellow rookie John Metchie -- a wide receiver who missed the entirety of what would have been his first NFL season as he battled leukemia -- can make an impact, the Texans should have an offense that's greatly improved. 

The problem is that they are starting from the ground floor, as Stroud is joining an offense where Pierce was the only standout player a season ago. So yes, as the CBS article put it, the offensive talent "is finally moving in the right direction," but that's not something that's entirely corrected in one offseason. 

Coming in at No. 3 on this list feels fair when evaluating Stroud. Bryce Young -- the first overall pick, taken by the Carolina Panthers -- is second on the list. And Bijan Robinson is the favorite, as he probably should be after the Atlanta Falcons selected him as a running back with the No. 8 overall pick. 

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