Can Texans QB C.J. Stroud Start Week 1?

It presumably falls on Stroud to lead a team in the middle of a rebuild and that has won just 11 games over the past three seasons. But it's a rebuild that seems to be on the uptick.

After a two-year experiment with Stanford's Davis Mills as the starting quarterback, the Houston Texans drafted Ohio State's C.J. Stroud as the second overall pick in April's NFL Draft.

While Mills showed flashes at times, he didn't impress enough to show the Texans brass that he's the long-term answer under center. 

Now it presumably falls on Stroud to lead a team in the middle of a rebuild and that has won just 11 games over the past three seasons. But that rebuild seems to be on the uptick.

There are several new additions to the organization, not the least of which is new head coach DeMeco Ryans. Other additions like Dalton Schultz, Devin Singletary, Jimmie Ward and Will Anderson Jr. should also have an impact. 

If Stroud is going to start over Mills to begin the 2023 campaign, he's going to have to shine this offseason and impress early and often. And so far, he's off to a good start.

"C.J. is progressing well,” Ryans said, per Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle. “Each day, he continues to get better, continues to get more comfortable with the verbiage of the offense and his command of the huddle."

Mills isn't the only competition for Stroud, as another addition to the squad is free-agent Case Keenum, who also has NFL starts under his belt already.

Any of the three could end up starting Week 1, depending on Houston's timetable for turning the proverbial keys over to Stroud.

Mills hasn't necessarily failed in Houston with an 83.3 QB rating, and Keenum has already had mild success in the league in 64 career starts, posting an 85.2 QB rating. So there isn't an immediate need for Stroud to take the field, and the Texans could take it slow.

But if things go the way Houston hopes this offseason, Stroud could emerge as the No. 1 option when September rolls around. 

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