Grading Houston: 'Accurate' Stroud A Win For Texans?

Sports Illustrated gives the Houston Texans selection of Ohio State Buckeyes QB C.J. Stroud an exemplary grade.

The Houston Texans gained a franchise quarterback in drafting Ohio State's C.J. Stroud with the 2nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud is ecstatic about the opportunity in Houston, as are fans who haven't had a reliable quarterback to cheer for since Deshaun Watson.

Texans GM Nick Caserio says Stroud has "an edge about him in a good way," and that the franchise is confident in his desire to be great in Houston. 

The team at Sports Illustrated also gives the selection an exemplary grade. Why SI says it's an "A" pick:

Stroud’s draft slide didn’t occur, despite what the smokescreen reports said the past two weeks. The Texans didn’t overthink it and took arguably the most accurate quarterback in the draft in Stroud, who will overtake Davis Mills as the new QB1 the moment he arrives in Houston. The 6'3" Stroud threw a combined 85 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions the past two seasons at Ohio State. Stroud lacks athleticism, but he makes up for it with his smooth demeanor in the pocket and his ability to pick defenses apart with accuracy and arm strength. — Gilberto Manzano

Stroud was a nightmare for opposing defenses in his two seasons at Ohio State, throwing for 8,123 yards with 85 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions while completing 69.3 percent of his passes. With the Texans looking to complete the rebuild and contend once again, adding Stroud gives them their quarterback of the future. 

"I knew that if the Texans wanted me, they were going to go get me," Stroud said. "I don't care about the outside noise. Even after my playing days, I know I still won't be perfect. But I'm going to make sure I work my tail off to do the right thing. And you have my word on that for sure."

The draft continues Friday with the second and third rounds beginning at 6 p.m. ET. One of the biggest storylines, Kentucky quarterback Will Levis still remains on the board with the Tennessee Titans as the favorites to land the widely expected to go in the first round. 

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