NFL Scout, Exec Hail C.J. Stroud: 'As Good as Anybody'; Set the Standard for a Rookie

Suffice it to say expectations are through the roof for C.J. Stroud in his second NFL season.

The Houston Texans star was ranked as the seventh-best quarterback in the NFL heading into the 2024 campaign, with his only knocks being his inexperience.

"He's as good as anybody, honestly," one NFC scout told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "He's got to do it again, but the arm talent combined with taking care of the ball and the ability to process was impressive."

Fowler surveyed nearly 80 NFL executives, scouts and coaches as part of his yearly look into the best players at each position group. Stroud was ranked as high as No. 2 on some ballots after one of the best rookie seasons for a quarterback in NFL history.

"He set the standard for a rookie QB," an NFC executive said. "Has so much poise. He stands in the pocket and delivers the football. Stands tall. Doesn't see colors coming at him."

Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns against five interceptions as a rookie, leading the Texans all the way to the divisional round of the playoffs. He was nothing short of sensational in his playoff debut, throwing for 274 yards and three scores in a 45-14 blowout win over the Cleveland Browns.

While Stroud's performance dipped in Houston's loss the next week to the Baltimore Ravens, he stamped himself instantly among the game's most impressive young quarterbacks. Contrast his performance to the dud put up by Bryce Young in Carolina and the injury-shortened year Anthony Richardson went through in Indianapolis, and it's easy to see why NFL execs came away impressed.

Stroud's stellar rookie year will lead to some outsized expectations for Year 2. The Texans loaded up on their offensive weapons in the offseason, acquiring veteran receiver Stephon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon to an offense that already included Pro Bowler Nico Collins and speedster Tank Dell.

In the span of a year, Houston has gone from under-the-radar darling to Super Bowl contender. How Stroud handles those expectations will likely determine where he ranks on this same list a year from now.