When the Houston Texans selected Ohio State standout quarterback CJ Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, many thought they were taking a major risk. Many Ohio State quarterbacks in the past have not been able to translate into the NFL. Clearly, that has not been the case for the new franchise quarterback in Houston.
Not only has Stroud’s game translated to the NFL, it has translated in an already superstar kind of way. Stroud has been an absolute monster to begin his professional career and has shown no signs of slowing down.
Following the impressive eight games he has played to begin his career, Stroud is actually beginning to receive some MVP hype. That is unheard of for a rookie quarterback, especially on a team like the Texans who have been a very bad football team for years.
One NFL reporter, ESPN’s Dan Graziano, spoke out about Stroud being a potential MVP candidate at this point in the season.
“Why not? If the Texans can finish this season with a winning record and Stroud is playing like this, he’s definitely going to show up on some MVP ballots.”
Can CJ Stroud Continue His Impressive Play?
This is a very loaded question. No one can predict the future, but it is very possible that CJ Stroud doesn’t slow down the rest of the way.
In Week 9 action, Stroud completed 30 of his 42 pass attempts for 470 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions. He also orchestrated an impressive comeback win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
CJ Stroud has demonstrated legitimate NFL arm strength, accuracy, leadership, and IQ. Those four things are what young quarterbacks struggle to display consistent in all facets. For Stroud, the consistency has not been a problem,
On the season in eight games, Stroud has completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,270 yards, 14 touchdowns, and one interception. He has also picked up 78 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Will Stroud end up being a top candidate for the MVP award? We can’t know right now and only time will tell. But, if he keeps up his current level of play, he will absolutely be a popular candidate on the ballot.
