CJ Stroud Rumors: NFL Coaches, GMs See Texans QB Among ‘Premier Franchise QBs’ | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats & Rumors

Entering his second season in the NFL, Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud is already considered by coaches and general managers to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

“The 2023 first-round pick is already being viewed around the league as one of the league’s top quarterbacks,” Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported Monday. “It’s impressive that he’s earned so much respect from the NFL’s upper echelons in such a short time.”

Stroud is coming off a phenomenal inaugural season, in which he unexpectedly led the Texans to a divisional round appearance in the playoffs and became the first player in franchise history to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The 2023 second-round pick completed 63.9 percent of his throws for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns compared to just five interceptions. He also added three more scores on the ground.

The Texans built around Stroud in the offseason, acquiring Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Mixon in March. trade from the Cincinnati Bengals. Houston also added star wide receiver Stefon Diggs in a blockbuster deal with the Buffalo Bills on April 3.

Stroud will look to build on his rookie season and help the Texans defend their AFC South title, starting with a Week 1 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 8.