The NFL Network’s Peter Schrager recently got to chat with Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio on his podcast, The Season. Unsurprisingly, much of the talk surrounded the team’s rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud.
"An edge in a good way" is a description that comes up a lot with CJ Stroud. This was a good look at how Houston arrived at its franchise QB. https://t.co/aFLRjdhYw2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 8, 2023
The gunslinger is the heavy favorite to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, tossing 14 touchdowns against one interception across his team’s first eight games. The Texans sit at 4-4, already eclipsing their win total from the entirety of the 2022 season. Shrager asked Caserio when he knew Stroud was the optimal pick with the second overall selection in the 2023 NFL draft, and his answer did not disappoint.
Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio: C.J. Stroud’s Personality Stood Out
Three quarterbacks went in the first four picks of the 2023 NFL draft, with the Texans selecting Ohio State standout C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick. When asked when the Texans knew the Stroud was the guy, GM Nick Caserio pointed to his personality.
“Specific to C.J., I mean, I think his personality, you feel it. You feel his presence when you’re in the room with him. There’s confidence, there’s competitiveness, there’s an edge and in a good way of what you want,” said Caserio about what separated Stroud from the competition. Like all teams, the Texans continuously gather data and information about prospects year-round leading into the NFL draft.
Caserio continued, saying, “A balance of confidence and humility. Like you believe in yourself, but you also have to make sure that there are times when you take a step back and you put your ego aside. That’s him.” The Texans brass loved what Stroud brought to the table regarding his personality and approach to the game.
C.J. Stroud: NFL Star Despite Rookie Status
C.J. Stroud has been fantastic, throwing for 2,270 yards and 14 scores against just one interception. He played arguably his best game last Sunday, throwing for 470 yards and five scores against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 39-37 come-from-behind win. The Texans sit just one game out of an AFC Wild Card spot. Stroud and Houston have a chance to make the playoffs this season after combining for a 10-38 record over the past three years.
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