C.J. Stroud Must 'Earn' Job As Texans Starting QB

Despite drafting the Ohio State prospect No. 2 overall, the Houston Texans are not willing to prematurely name C.J. Stroud as the team's starting quarterback.

HOUSTON — C.J. Stroud is projected as the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans in 2023. 

The Texans made Stroud their highest prospect drafted since Jadeveon Clowney (No. 1 overall) in 2014, and the former Ohio State Buckeye possesses the talents to become Houston's next franchise quarterback.

But the Texans, regardless of the prospect, have a history of keeping their options open before handing a rookie quarterback the starting job. And there is a chance the Texans could duplicate the decision with Stroud.

"I think that’s up to him and how he plays and the coaches, how they see him," CEO Cal McNair said. "He’ll earn his spot, wherever that is. And he’ll feel like he’s earned it, and the team will feel like he’s earned wherever he winds up."

Davis Mills and Deshaun Watson were the previous rookie quarterbacks who joined the franchise as college prospects. Both players eventually took the starting job from their predecessors, but Mills and Watson did not enter their respective rookie campaigns as quarterback No. 1. 

A hamstring injury to Tyrod Taylor forced Mills into the starting job by Week 3 of the 2021 season, while a horrid first half by Tom Savage thrust Watson under center by Week 2 in 2017. 

But McNair's thoughts on Stroud prematurely receiving the starting job are similar to general manager Nick Caserio's beliefs. 

"What a player can do, ultimately, it’s going to be up to their performance,” Caserio said. "We’ll do what we feel is in the best interests of the team. Coach DeMeco [Ryans] will make the decision, and the coaching staff will make the decisions that we feel are best for the team. 

"We’ll put the best players out there that are ready to play and prepared to take advantage of the opportunity."

Mills will remain Houston's starting quarterback should the Texans decide to wait on Stroud. The soon-to-be three-year prospect from Stanford said in January that he hoped to retain his role as the Texans' starter under center in 2023.

Mills started 15 out of a possible 17 games during his sophomore season. He completed 61.0 percent of his passes for 3,118 yards, 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

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

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