NFL insider: The 'dream scenario' for CJ Stroud if the Houston Texans go defense at No. 2

Many believed it was a forgone conclusion CJ Stroud would be a top two selection in the 2023 NFL Draft.

As Lee Corso would say, “Not so fast!” on that one. The former Ohio State star may be looking at a slide come Thursday’s draft, albeit one that may not last too long. Surprisingly, it may not be the worst thing.

If the Carolina Panthers choose former Alabama quarterback Bryce Young like many believe they will, the Houston Texans would have their chance at Stroud, but ESPN’s Matt Miller doesn’t see it happening like that.

He predicted the Texans go defense in the latest mock draft, leaving the former Buckeyes star for their AFC South rival Indianapolis Colts. According to Miller, that’s the “dream scenario” for Stroud if Houston opts to go in a different direction, as he’ll have plenty to work with in Indianapolis.

“This is perfect for Indianapolis,” Miller said, regarding Stroud joining the Colts on SportsCenter. “They get a quarterback who’s NFL-ready, who can work with the weapons they have in Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce at wide receiver. You’ve got Jonathan Taylor healthy in the backfield. So, Stroud, with what we saw at Ohio State, he’s a point guard. He can stand in the pocket and distribute the ball, and that’s exactly what they need in Indianapolis. What he did against Georgia in the College Football Playoff, when he almost single-handedly won that game with his top receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. injured, that showed me he can also elevate a program with his arm, with his legs, with his field vision.

“The touch that CJ Stroud throws with is beautiful, and the show that he put on at the NFL Scouting Combine, which is in Indianapolis, is something I don’t think the Colts are going to be able to forget very soon that he absolutely worked everybody at Lucas Oil (Stadium) and really had the league buzzing following his workout. So, the Colts need a quarterback, and this is a dream scenario with CJ Stroud falling to them at No. 4.”

The Colts would have one reaction to that information, signing up immediately to bring the former Ohio State star to their franchise. After multiple seasons of trying veteran quarterbacks like Phillip Rivers and Matt Ryan, banking on a young quarterback like CJ Stroud would be a welcome change from their fans and front office alike.

Nevertheless, a ton can change from now until Thursday’s first round, and it’s going to be fascinating to watch all the storyline. Regardless, CJ Stroud will make one NFL squad supremely happy.