'Film Speaks for Itself': Texans QB C.J. Stroud Responds to Pre-Draft Criticisms

After weeks of reports doubting C.J. Stroud's ability to succeed in the NFL, the Texans new quarterback discussed the confidence he has in himself.

In the weeks leading up to the draft it became abundantly clear that the Carolina Panthers would be selecting Alabama quarterback Bryce Young when they were on the clock with the first overall pick. 

When those reports started to surface so did reports that the Houston Texans weren't sold on Ohio State's C.J. Stroud at No. 2 overall, with potential concern surrounding his leaked S2 Test scores. 

However, those rumors were put to rest when the Texans took Stroud with the second overall pick in the draft. Now, as Stroud prepares to be Houston's next franchise quarterback, he opened up to "Football Morning in America" writer Peter King about the criticisms he faced leading up to the draft. 

"For me, I know the film speaks for itself," Stroud said. ""Everything that I’ve done in college, I’ve been very consistent. I think I’ve been one of the most consistent players in college football for the last two years. If you turn on the tape, you can see, you can answer the questions."

"But those who don’t understand tape might want to go to other things and analyze other things. They’re more than welcome to do such. But the people who are making the choices and the picks, they knew what I can do. They understood the IQ that I do have."

One look at Stroud's stats in his two seasons starting at Ohio State will let the numbers speak for themselves. In those two seasons he threw for 8,123 yards with 85 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions while completing an astounding 69.3 percent of his passes. 

Every prospect will have their flaws but it was always hard to deny just how special Stroud looked on film, which the Texans obviously agree with. Stroud will likely deal with much more criticism as he adjusts to the NFL, which comes with the territory of the second overall pick. 

What matters, though, is that Houston believes in him and his ability to be the guy moving forward - and will do its best to put him in a position to succeed at the NFL for years to come. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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