Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans 'Elated' To Have 'Fierce Competitor' C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud faced unwarranted criticism before the 2023 NFL Draft, but Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans remains "elated" in the arrival of the Ohio State quarterback.

HOUSTON — Each day leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft, C.J. Stroud's stock appeared to be declining. The criticism of his S2 test and rumors about whether or not he was "easy to coach" had some believing Stroud would fall out of the top-5.

But Thursday evening, the Houston Texans made Stroud their first pick of the draft. As anticipated before the nonessential criticism, the Texans made Stroud the No. 2 overall pick — one spot after the Carolina Panthers selected Bryce Young. 

"First emotion, to get C.J., I was elated," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "One thing I love about C.J. is that he's a fierce competitor. He wants to win. It means a lot to him to win. He has a burning desire to win, and I love that about him. The talent on the field speaks for himself."

Stroud solidified himself as the second-best quarterback prospect entering the draft after his legendary Peach Bowl performance against the Georgia Bulldogs. The Ohio State Buckeyes fell 42-41, but Stroud had arguably the best game of his collegiate career. He completed 67.7 percent of his passes for 348 yards and four touchdowns in the loss. 

But while the consensus began to believe in Stroud after his heroic performance against college football's top defense, Ryans became a believer due to his growth dating back to his first game of the 2022 season. 

Ryans believed Stroud did an excellent job leading Ohio State's program with his on-field talents. He finished his college career throwing for 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns while helping the Buckeyes win 22 games starting under center. 

But Stroud became a more sought-after prospect due to his leadership traits. The Texans spoke to several of Stroud's teammates, and all spoke highly of the soon-to-be rookie quarterback on and off the field.

"I think that's the biggest thing for playing quarterback is to be not only vocal but lead by example," Stroud said. "That's something I think I bring to the table very well coming from a place like Ohio State where the quarterback is, other than LeBron [James], you're like right under LeBron. You're the leader of the whole state. I feel like I got good practice there. That's kind of the main goal is just to be a great leader, a great teammate."

Stroud shares the same sentiment as Ryans when it comes to his Peach Bowl performance. He acknowledges his play against Georgia was the "icing on the cake." But Stroud believes his entire body of work at Ohio State validates the Texans' decision to draft him with the No. 2 pick.

Stroud understands he isn't a finished product. And to become the Texans' next franchise quarterback, Stroud emphasized the improvements he would like to make on the NFL level. 

"For all of our players, we're in the role as coaches to develop young players," Ryans said. "No one is perfect. We all have strengths. We all have weaknesses. It's about everyone just putting their head down and working. 

"These guys want to work to be the best, and so with their mindset of working to be the best and with our coaches' mindset of being in the position to help and develop these young men as players on the field, that's how we'll work with that talent, not only the quarterback, but it will be all our positions."

Stroud is not focused on the unwarranted criticism he faced during the days leading up to the draft. His mindset entering the league is on showcasing his athleticism, helping Houston win games and polishing the talents that made Ryans confident in his first-ever draft pick as coach of the Texans.

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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