NFL.com projects CJ Stroud's rookie season stats

Houston Texans fans are ready for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud to kick off a new era after the departure of embroiled franchise QB Deshaun Watson. After a holdover period with Davis Mills, the Texans are now moving forward with the No. 2 overall draft pick.

Before the start of the season, NFL.com provided predictions for the most notable offensive rookies in the league.

NFL.com’s prediction for Stroud’s rookie numbers are: 3,400 passing yards, 21 TDs, 14 INTs; 350 rushing yards, 3 rushing TDs. Overall, it’s a few hundred more passing yards and more touchdowns than Davis Mills provided in 15 games for the Texans last season. In his two seasons starting for the Buckeyes, Stroud had over 3,600 passing yards and 40+ touchdowns with just 6 interceptions in each season.

Chad Reuter also provided his “best case” and “worst case” scenarios for Stroud, the former being success thanks in part to better offensive line play. In the latter, the offensive line struggles, and therefore, so does the rookie QB.

“Stroud stays strong in the pocket behind an improved offensive line while receivers Nico Collins and John Metchie III are reliable targets for him all season,” Reuter suggested as his best case. “The rookie passer also makes use of his athleticism to run for first downs in key spots and punch the ball into the end zone.”

“Stroud shows he’s not yet ready to lead the offense, missing targets and forcing passes that land in the hands of defenders, so veterans Davis Mills and/or Case Keenum get snaps early on.” Reuter added as the worst-case scenario. “The line is mediocre at best (aside from left tackle Laremy Tunsil) and the up-and-coming receivers aren’t ready for prime time.”

Stroud to start final preseason game

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans confirmed Wednesday that the rookie quarterback will start in the final preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

Ryans added that all the starters will see some action.

“As of right now, [the] plan is to get our first guys about two series and see how that goes and allow the younger guys to have a lot of work in that game,” Ryans said, via Pro Football Talk.

Stroud, the No. 2 overall selection in April’s NFL Draft out of Ohio State, has started each of Houston’s first two preseason games. In the preseason opener against the New England Patriots, he completed 2-of-4 passes for 13 yards and an interception. He saw more playing time against the Miami Dolphins, completing 7-of-12 passes for 60 yards.

“What I saw from C.J.’s throws was the ball was coming out on time, it was very accurate, the ball placement was very good,” Ryans said after the loss to Miami. “So it’s encouraging to see him from Week 1 to this week, to see the improvement, just overall seeing him more comfortable, and I saw him having fun playing the game. Seeing him be able to scramble outside of the pocket and make a play, it’s fun when you can see guys actually enjoying football, having fun, doing it. If he continues to grow, we’re gonna be just fine.”

On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this report.