Houston Texans select CJ Stroud with No. 2 overall pick in 2023 NFL Draft

The Houston Texans have selected Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud spent the past two seasons as the Buckeyes starting quarterback, leading them to the College Football Playoff and finishing third in the Heisman voting in 2022.

Stroud threw for 3,688 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions this past season. He put Ohio State in position to defeat eventual national champion Georgia in the CFP semifinal, leading them down to the Bulldog 32-yard line before kicker Noah Ruggles missed a 50-yard field goal with three seconds remaining.

Stroud did all he could in that game to finish with 348 yards and four touchdowns on 23-of-34 (67.6%) passing. He ended his college career with 8,198 yards and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of more than 7-to-1 in 25 games.

Stroud played high school football for Rancho Cucamonga in California, where he was a five-star prospect. He ranked as the No. 39 overall prospect and No. 3 quarterback in the 2020 class according to the On3 Industry Rating, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Stroud is a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and Quarterback of the Year. He was also a second team All-American in 2022.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about CJ Stroud

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein provided some analysis on Stroud’s game in his recent scout of the quarterback’s draft profile. He compared him to Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, praising his accuracy and arm strength.

However, Zierlein also questioned how much of Stroud’s numbers had to do with Ohio State’s system and whether they would transfer over to an NFL offense. He also noted that Stroud rarely ran in college, but might have to use his legs more in the pros.

“Two-year starter from a program with a high-octane offense known for creating high-level production opportunities for its quarterbacks,” Zierlein wrote. “Stroud’s accuracy stands out on tape. He’s able to lead receivers with good placement and make on-frame throws to targets on all areas of the field. The question now is how quickly he will acclimate outside of the Ohio State scheme.

“Stroud didn’t often attack defenses with his legs, but if he can become a more willing runner, he will be able to extend drives rather than feeling forced into more challenging decision-making situations. NFL teams will have to balance what they saw on tape from Stroud during the 2022 regular season against his great College Football Playoff semifinal performance, when he shined versus Georgia’s impressive collection pro prospects. If he did it once he can do it again, and grading the flashes for Stroud might make the most sense.”