Can Texans Rookie C.J. Stroud Overcome NFL Struggles For Ohio State QBs?

In order for C.J. Stroud to find success in the NFL, the Houston Texans' rookie prospect must overcome the ongoing struggles that have plagued the careers of Ohio State quarterbacks.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans have a potential franchise quarterback in C.J. Stroud. The California native entered the 2023 NFL Draft ranked as the No. 2 prospect in his position group. And with the second overall pick, the Texans drafted Stroud after the Carolina Panthers took Bryce Young with the top selection. 

Coach DeMeco Ryans revealed the Texans' trust level and excitement for Stroud during Houston's introductory press conference. And during the Texans' 20th Annual Charity Golf Classic on Monday, Ryans said the franchise's fondness for Stroud grew after every pre-draft meeting.

Stroud described his opportunity with the Texans as "one of a kind." But for Stroud to live up to the high expectations, he must overcome the ongoing struggles that have plagued former Ohio State quarterbacks in the NFL.

"Throughout the entire process, you continue to grow more in love with the guy [Stroud]," Ryans said. "It's who he is as an outstanding young man. He is a smart guy. A competitive guy. I am excited to start working with him." 

The Ohio State Buckeyes have developed a suitable list of legendary players, but the program has yet to produce a successful quarterback.

The program has had 11 quarterbacks drafted since 1982. And the Buckeyes under center in the NFL has recorded a combined 64 seasons with zero Pro Bowls, according to CBS Sports.

The downfall began with Art Schlichter. The then-Baltimore Colts selected the former Buckeye with the No. 4 pick in the 1982 NFL Draft. Schlichter appeared in three out of a possible four seasons. He went winless as the Colts' starting quarterback and threw 11 interceptions and three touchdowns.

Troy Smith may have had the most disappointing career of any Ohio State quarterback despite being a fifth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2006. Smith dominated college football in his final season and won the Heisman Trophy. 

But Smith spent most of his five years in the league as a backup quarterback for the Ravens. He started six games for the San Francisco 49ers during his final NFL season in 2010. 

Joe Burrow is considered by many to be the most successful Ohio State quarterback to reach the NFL. But it is hard to give the title to Burrow since the Cincinnati Bengals' quarterback became the top choice of the 2020 draft after two seasons at LSU.

Chicago Bears' Justin Fields is the most recent alumnus to try and break the stereotype surrounding Ohio State quarterbacks. But the soon-to-be third-year prospect has yet to find his niche on an NFL level.

"I honestly don't have a limit on how good I can play," Stroud said. "I don't know what's going to happen. I know nothing is going to be given to me. Everything has to be earned. That's how it's been my whole life. That's how it's going to continue to be. That's what makes me a great player. 

"I'm excited to get started. Whatever happens, happens. I know it's ordained from God, and I'm blessed to be in the shoes I am today."

Stroud established himself as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play for Ohio State. Stroud finished his career with the Buckeyes throwing for 8,123 yards while completing 69.3 percent of his passes for 85 touchdowns and a dozen interceptions.

He fell short of winning the 2022 Heisman Trophy. But Stroud stamped his legacy at Ohio State with a masterful Peach Bowl performance despite the Buckeyes losing 42-41 to the Georgia Bulldogs.

Stroud's goal is to help restore the Texans' winning culture once he officially becomes Houston's starter. The success he could bring to the Texans could also help restore the moribund faith in Ohio State's quarterbacks on the highest level.

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

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