Texans First-Round Duo High in Rookie of the Year Betting Odds

The Texans rookie duo of C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. are strong contenders to be named Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year.

With the NFL draft officially having come and gone there is plenty to be excited about surrounding the Houston Texans as they look to take a step forward under first-year coach DeMeco Ryans. 

Chief among those reasons is their pair of first-round picks in Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, who they selected second overall, and Alabama outside linebacker Will Anderson Jr., who they traded a haul for to move up to No. 3 and select. 

While we won't see Stroud or Anderson in an actual NFL game for several months, the Texans rookie duo both find themselves high up in the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year odds. 

Stroud currently owns the third-best odds to bring home Offensive Rookie of the Year at +650, with Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young in first and second at +350 and +400 respectively. 

Even if the Texans don't win many games in Stroud's rookie season, he has a chance to do well out of the gate. He'll have a good supporting cast of offensive weapons to spread the ball to in tight end Dalton Schultz and receiver Robert Woods, as well as running back Dameon Pierce to make life easier out of the backfield. 

On the other side of the ball Stroud's fellow first-round draftee has slightly better odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year - coming in at +500, which is tied for first with Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Much like Stroud, Anderson is in a prime position to put up strong numbers on a team that might not quite be ready to contend yet. If he can translate his game well to the NFL in Ryans' defense then Anderson will likely be a strong contender to bring home the hardware.

There is no telling just how good or competitive the Texans will be this season, especially with a first-year coach. However, with Stroud and Anderson taking the field, they are set to be one of the more intriguing teams to watch on Sunday's this fall. 

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You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98

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