CJ Stroud addresses possibly being drafted No. 2 by Houston Texans

Mock drafts have been conflicted on former Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud‘s potential landing spot ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah projects Stroud to be a Houston Texan before the night is over, but it’s really up in the air until the pick is in. Even so, Stroud wants to be a Houston Texan if they’re willing to take their chances on him with the second overall pick.

“It sounds great. Whatever God wants for my life, I’m willing to be, and to do so I’m really excited for this next chapter in my life,” Stroud said on the NFL Network on Thursday. “Whatever city, whichever team — I’m going to be a really hard worker and a man of God, and to be a great leader.”

Stroud is accompanied to the draft by his mother and sister, who have both played major roles in his life. His mother played both parenting roles for Stround growing up, and all of her hard work for her son is finally paying off.

There is one thing that might stop the Texans from taking Stroud, however. According to a report by Jason La Canfora’s of the Washington Post, there has been some ‘bad blood’ brewing between Stroud’s agent and the Houston Texans as of late, leading to the Texans souring on the former Ohio State star. Stroud’s agent, David Mulugheta, represents former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson. 

The saga between Watson and the Texans’ has bene well documented, and the prior engagements between, Mulugheta and the Texans has strained the relationship between the franchise and former Buckeye.

“There’s a lot of bad blood there,” an anonymous NFL general manager said La Confora’s article. “I don’t think (Cal) McNair could stomach having Mulugheta’s next top quarterback be the next face of his franchise. I think that’s a non-starter there. … If Stroud has a different agent? He is the second overall pick.”

Whichever team ends up drafting Stroud, they’ll be selecting a proven winner. Going 21-4 as a starting quarterback, Stroud’s historic two-year run as the guy in Columbus saw him throw for 8,123 total yards. This past season alone he finished third in Heisman Trophy voting and threw for 3,688 yards and 41 touchdowns.

Whether it’s at No. 2 or a bit later, Stroud will hear his named called shortly after the 2023 NFL Draft kicks off 8 p.m. ET live on ESPN, ABC and the NFL Network.