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Welcome to Houston CJ Stroud

Dejaview said:
Why would your “I told you so” crowd say I told you so if there weren’t any others beforehand saying I told you so before CJ even threw his first NFL pass? Other than that this season is an open book for I told you so so’ers.
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Nobody said I told you so. But you can best believe if CJ would’ve been playing badly, that certain group would’ve been saying I told you the S2 crap was right.
 
C.J. Stroud is a cologne connoisseur. While talking to a reporter at his locker minutes after spraying the ball all over the NRG Stadium field for 384 yards in Week 2, Stroud -- who said he keeps 10 to 15 bottles in his rotation -- seemed to be trying to erase the scent of his Houston Texans' 31-20 loss to the visiting Indianapolis Colts earlier in the day.

When told he had begun his career with an NFL-record 80-plus passing attempts without an interception, Stroud, holding two cologne bottles in the same hand, was blunt: "Forget all that. I want a win." A week later, Stroud would get his win -- and another 280 passing yards -- at the Jacksonville Jaguars, giving way to a postgame scene that smelled a bit more like success.

Across the way back in Houston in Week 2, the victorious Colts could be found both celebrating and lamenting: Anthony Richardson had scored two early touchdowns before leaving the game with a concussion that also would keep him off the field in Week 3. The Colts are pumped about Richardson's development, with one team official telling ESPN after the Houston win that the coaching staff is "really, really pleased" with his progress. Indianapolis wide receiver Alec Pierce said the deep-ball possibilities with Richardson's arm feel just about endless.

This was an otherwise drab Colts-Texans matchup in late September. But the window into what the league's quarterback picture might look like with Stroud and Richardson in it deepened the intrigue.

Meanwhile, to the east, No. 1 overall draft pick Bryce Young is navigating an ankle injury amid the Panthers' 0-3 start. But the traits that sold Carolina on him -- from his mental aptitude to his off-schedule playmaking -- will play out over a full season, the team believes.

Now that 2023's trio of first-round quarterbacks have put reps on film, we reached out to several NFL execs and scouts to assess their performances. Yes, it's far too early to forecast their futures. The initial returns have shown some concerning elements that must be improved but also have given hope that the class can be a factor for many years.

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (No. 1 pick, Alabama)

What's worked: Despite the Panthers' 0-2 start with Young at QB, evaluators have seen him display attributes that helped him become the No. 1 overall pick. His pedestrian stat line of 299 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions on 42-of-71 passing doesn't tell the full story.

"You see intangibles come to the surface," an NFC exec said. "He's got a great feel for the game, and his quick release translates to the NFL game. His ability to throw off-platform will help him." The evaluator noted a 15-yard throw to DJ Chark Jr. in Week 2 versus the New Orleans Saints, with Young floating to his left and turning his hips quickly to deliver the ball between two defenders over the middle. These are the plays he can make -- with enough help around him.

What hasn't worked: Nearly everyone we consulted noted Carolina's uneven supporting cast on offense. The Panthers are not devoid of talent; free agent additions Miles Sanders, Adam Thielen, Hayden Hurst and Chark have plenty of pedigree (and helped backup Andy Dalton post 361 passing yards in Sunday's 37-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks). But at least in Young's first two games, receivers weren't separating consistently, and the interior offensive line has struggled at times with starters Austin Corbett and Brady Christensen out.

"He has nowhere to throw the football," an NFL personnel official said. "He's got major leaks around him and is in for a long year if the things working against him don't get fixed."

Size and, by extension, durability will always be part of the conversation with the 5-foot-10, 194-pound Young, who suffered an ankle injury in Week 2. "He feels small when you watch him; it doesn't take much for him to go down," a high-ranking personnel man said.

What's been most surprising: Young's escapability hasn't shown up like some expected. Many evaluators figured Young's footwork, instincts and imagination inside and outside of the pocket could help offset the size concerns -- and maybe they will over the course of a 17-game season. But six sacks through two tilts isn't encouraging.

"Just because you're mobile at the college level doesn't mean you're mobile at NFL level," an NFC exec said. "[Young] can't turn the corner on a defensive end."

Early grade: C. It still feels like Young's game hasn't gotten off the ground. Most of those we surveyed remain faithful it will happen eventually. "Young is going through something he never has in his life -- losing," an AFC scout personnel evaluator said. "Love his demeanor, though. He'll be fine."


C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (No. 2 pick, Ohio State)

What's worked: Stroud was considered the most impressive among this rookie trio even before the Texans' Week 3 win over Jacksonville, which featured Stroud's 280 yards and two touchdowns on 20-of-30 passing. He has produced despite four backups playing along the depleted offensive line, becoming the first rookie in NFL history to attempt at least 120 passes without an interception in his first three starts. Warren Moon held the previous record with 103.

On the season, Stroud has completed 78 of 121 passes for 906 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions despite Houston averaging 70 rushing yards per game, 29th in the league.

"Excellent poise and throws the ball very well," said one high-ranking NFL official who watched Stroud live.

Stroud doesn't get rattled easily, which the Baltimore Ravens, Colts and Jaguars found out, as they combined to pressure him 56 times on 132 dropbacks (42.4%).

"Big upside. Already further along than I expected," an AFC exec said. "Pinpoint first- and second-level accuracy and shows anticipation flashes. Tough kid who takes hits and keeps on coming."

What hasn't worked: While Stroud hasn't shown many glaring weaknesses, one NFC exec believes he can be more decisive. "He probably holds the ball longer than he needs," the exec said. "He's getting guys open, so he can trust his reads and let it rip." That could contribute to the high pressure rate he faces. But after taking 11 sacks through the first two weeks, Stroud escaped the clutches of Jacksonville's pass-rushers in Week 3.

What's been most surprising: Unlike Young's supporting cast, Houston's playmakers have been a pleasant surprise. Third-round pick Tank Dell has juice. He'll be the Texans' No. 1 receiver soon enough. He and Stroud nearly connected on two touchdowns (one negated by penalty) in Week 2 then followed up with 145 yards and a score in Week 3. Wideout Nico Collins has been impressive, and veteran Robert Woods is the perfect complementary receiver for a young passer.

Early grade: A-. Hard to ask for much more production. Stroud looks poised to put to bed the stigma that Ohio State quarterbacks can't get it done in the league.


Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (No. 4 pick, Florida)

What's worked: Richardson has shown promise as a passer, completing 30 of 47 tosses for 279 yards and a touchdown with one interception through less than six quarters of play. Many scouts believed pre-draft that Richardson needed to sit a year, but the Colts have ignored that theory, clearly trusting Richardson with the ball in his hands.

Before leaving the Week 2 contest at Houston with a concussion, Richardson passed or rushed on nine of the team's first 11 offensive plays on the way to back-to-back touchdowns.

"He can really push the ball downfield; [he has a] plus arm," an NFL personnel director said. "And it looks like his decision-making is good. If you tailor the game around what he does, RPOs and the QB power game along with the big throws, which it looks like they are doing, it's scary to defend. And Indy as an offense is not far off."

What hasn't worked: NFL physicality exempts no player, so even 244-pound quarterbacks face durability concerns. The Colts must find a way to protect their prized quarterback, who in the first two weeks of the season banged his knee and suffered a concussion on separate red zone runs.

"He's as tough as they come, but he has to protect himself from himself," an AFC executive said. "He's going to end up taking shots like Cam Newton did due to his size and skill set. That could end up being bad if they don't help him with the running game. The offensive line also has been shaky at times."

Multiple execs also pointed out that Richardson is not quite polished yet in must-throw situations. But that's to be expected.

What's been most surprising: Decisiveness. If Richardson has a clear read, an AFC executive said, he is usually ripping it without hesitation.

"Their passing concepts are pretty simple right now, which is clearly to help him, but he's operating that well and seems to know what to do," the executive said. That can work against him on plays like his Week 1 interception, when he threw right to Jacksonville's Tyson Campbell, the Cover 2 corner sunk in man coverage.

"Defenses will throw complex stuff at him," the exec continued. "But from all that I've heard, he's been a fast learner there, so they can give him more."

Early grade: B. It's a little bit of an incomplete grade here due to injury. But Richardson has looked comfortable as a passer and on the move. He has a skillful offensive mind in head coach Shane Steichen to mold him.
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www.espn.com

NFL execs help grade three rookie QBs: Where Young, Stroud and Richardson stand after three weeks

The NFL's three first-round rookie QBs have all received an early spotlight. Here's how league insiders say they've seized it.
www.espn.com www.espn.com
 
OptimisticTexan said:
I’m waiting for the first player to execute this move….and Caleb could be the first to successfully pull it off.

Instead of returning to USC, Caleb signs with an USFL/XFL team for a season. He’s now a professional football player looking to change leagues as an UFA.

USFL players have already successfully done this by being invited by a team for a tryout and then signed as an UFA if he shows he can compete.

That would be the easiest way for him to control his future. If the NFL attempted to block this….Caleb may have decent case.
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You know whats funny...is how they say OSU has never produced an good NFL QB.....well same can be said for USC...who have they produced??? Carson Palmer, Matt Leinhart, Mark Sanchez??? But yet that criteria doesnt fit and wont be attached to Caleb...wonder why.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
I’m waiting for the first player to execute this move….and Caleb could be the first to successfully pull it off.

Instead of returning to USC, Caleb signs with an USFL/XFL team for a season. He’s now a professional football player looking to change leagues as an UFA.

USFL players have already successfully done this by being invited by a team for a tryout and then signed as an UFA if he shows he can compete.

That would be the easiest way for him to control his future. If the NFL attempted to block this….Caleb may have decent case.
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Hmmmm..

Play high-profile games at USC for another season for $5M+ or play in the ghost-town USXFL for six-figures?

I don't knooowww..
 
Mr teX said:
The one thing I lament about the DW4 thing is he has made me think twice about getting behind a guy thought to be of sound character. Now I’m a bit cynical when I hear these guys talk about their spirituality and how humble they are..but this kid “seems” legit. been mature b/c he had to be; it didn’t come easy for him.

this is him and Bijan talking pre-draft about their road to where they are now.

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Its a good sign that we havent seen a clip with our new QB dunking on Mia Khalifa yet. That was our first sign with the last one.
 
Mollywhopper said:
Hmmmm..

Play high-profile games at USC for another season for $5M+ or play in the ghost-town USXFL for six-figures?

I don't knooowww..
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…..after the USFL season, he gets to go to the team of his choice. This will be done via a tryout from many team who desires his services. I believe he would also be exempt of the drafted rookie wage scale since he’s already a professional football player.
 
sprtsfanatic said:
You know whats funny...is how they say OSU has never produced an good NFL QB.....well same can be said for USC...who have they produced??? Carson Palmer, Matt Leinhart, Mark Sanchez??? But yet that criteria doesnt fit and wont be attached to Caleb...wonder why.
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On top of that, none have been drafted before the 3rd until these last few years. Haskins,Fields,and now Stroud. I'm sure it can be said about other big time programs.
 
It's early and the real test will come when NFL DCs have more film on him. CJ will have to make some adjustments to their adjustments. But his accuracy is hard to stop even if they know the plays. CJ has also proven that he can make plays with his feet if needed. There goes the narrative of him being an immobile pocket passer.

One more narrative that's been destroyed is that CJ was a product of having first round receivers like Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Marvin Harrison Jr. to throw to. CJ is putting up numbers with receivers who weren't 1st round picks. On a side note, Tank is looking like a steal and I think the same thing will happen with Xavier Hutchinson.
 
TexansBull said:
Hasn’t signed a second contract. Which is kind of a big deal because of who his agent is.
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I'm not at all happy that Mulugheta represents Stroud, he's been a problem for several franchises over the past handful of years and more than one of those issues were after signing big contracts.

The problem with discussing Mulugheta is one particular posters very loud and very poorly worded expression of displeasure with the situation ..... it taints the entire conversation to the point where people defending Strouds choice of representation aren't being honest because of it.

I don't think any of us are happy that Stroud chose Mulugheta to represent him. Mulugheta is a problem for the league.
 
To rewind a bit, prior to the draft the conversation was about would you rather have a quarterback at #2 or Will Anderson. The discussions were thoughtful and respectful. Somehow along the way, two of the most vocal and opinionated members of this board made it into a contentious subject once the draft was finished. This "they know who they are" crap is what creates suspicion and animosity. When in reality, we all root for the same team, we all want the Texans to win.

For me it was never personal against Stroud. It was a draft philosophy in that the more early picks you have the better your chances are that you'll land a special player. If I'm wrong in this instance, who cares?
 
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Thorn said:
Mulugheta is like buying that shiny new house on the Florida coast. That house sure does look pretty, but you know a hurricane is coming sometime.
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Right now that hurricane is just dust blowing off the coast of Africa. It's thousands of miles away. I'm not ready to board up the house just yet. I'm just going to enjoy the waves and sunshine for a while and worry about "what if" later. Nothing I can do about it either way.
 
banned1976 said:
Right now that hurricane is just dust blowing off the coast of Africa. It's thousands of miles away. I'm not ready to board up the house just yet. I'm just going to enjoy the waves and sunshine for a while and worry about "what if" later. Nothing I can do about it either way.
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Which is pretty much the only attitude a person can take right now. The deed is done.
 
banned1976 said:
Right now that hurricane is just dust blowing off the coast of Africa. It's thousands of miles away. I'm not ready to board up the house just yet. I'm just going to enjoy the waves and sunshine for a while and worry about "what if" later. Nothing I can do about it either way.
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Thorn said:
Which is pretty much the only attitude a person can take right now. The deed is done.
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It's unfortunate .... but nothing we can do about it nor is it much of a reason not to pick the kid, really never should have been part of the conversation.
 
Mulugheta is not a problem for the league. Dude is doing what’s best for his clients. If the client wants out, it’s his job to get them out point blank. And if he doesn’t do what his client wants. You can best believe they’ll drop him and find another one who will. That’s the nature of the business.

And like I stated before the draft, the Texans will do business with Mulugheta again. We got CJ who has a strong possibility of being our franchise quarterback.

The real problem was the McNair’s giving to much power to the wrong people.
 
Texansballer74 said:
And like I stated before the draft, the Texans will do business with Mulugheta again.
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Caserio said the same prior to the draft.

Portion of a transcript from a Sean Pendergast interview with Caserio.
Lucky said:
So, I have a lot of respect for David. David's got a lot of good players, has had a lot of good players for a number of years. So, you really can't make decisions based on off of that. Like, you really have to look at the player, evaluate the player. Are you comfortable, when the player comes into the building? And at some point you're going to have a dialogue with the representative. So the draft is a little bit different because when you draft a player, especially in the 1st round, contracts are pretty much slot, you kinda know what that is. But as you move forward to free agency...my philosophy has always been never let one situation impact future situations. I think that's just the right way to do business. So, that's certainly not going to dissuade us, you know, looking at a player.

Honestly, it's not fair to that player, to eliminate that player based on what some other factor might be perceived. Again, I've had dialogue with David. We had dialogue last year in free agency about some different players. He's had multiple players. We've asked him about a corner, various players we were actually talking about during the Deshaun trade negotiations. So, conversations are always fluid. So, I've always has a lot of respect for David and the job that he does and he has really good players.

So, our responsibility is to look at everything and not let any individual dissuade you from making a decision. So, I've never approached business that way, not going to approach business that way. People that know me know that's how I operate. So, I've tried to be consistent in that respect.
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Corrosion said:
I'm not at all happy that Mulugheta represents Stroud, he's been a problem for several franchises over the past handful of years and more than one of those issues were after signing big contracts.

The problem with discussing Mulugheta is one particular posters very loud and very poorly worded expression of displeasure with the situation ..... it taints the entire conversation to the point where people defending Strouds choice of representation aren't being honest because of it.

I don't think any of us are happy that Stroud chose Mulugheta to represent him. Mulugheta is a problem for the league.
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I could care less who his agent is. The agent works for the player, not the other way around as if Mulugheta is controlling the player. Nobody had an issue when the qb club and their agent had all the big name qbs.
 
banned1976 said:
Right now that hurricane is just dust blowing off the coast of Africa. It's thousands of miles away. I'm not ready to board up the house just yet. I'm just going to enjoy the waves and sunshine for a while and worry about "what if" later. Nothing I can do about it either way.
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This is the path the McNair's choose to take. There will be a price to be paid for this decision in 3 years.

Right now as a fan let's just enjoy the wave.
 
Corrosion said:
That's by choice. He's one of the more high profile agents in the entire league - you cannot make me believe that none of the roughly (~25%) 425 white players in the league, none if them want to hire him.
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Exactly!
 
Corrosion said:
That's by choice. He's one of the more high profile agents in the entire league - you cannot make me believe that none of the roughly (~25%) 425 white players in the league, none if them want to hire him.
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He's racist A-Hile enabler.

The reason he doesn't have white clients is he doesn't solicit them.
 
DocBar said:
C.J. Stroud Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com
Bryce Young Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com
Anthony Richardson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com
CJ, so far, is head and shoulders above the other rookie first round QBs. Young has the lowest yards per attempt in the league.
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I must be misinterpreting what you're saying here. His Yards per Attempt is 7th in the league? His Adjusted Yards per Attempt is 4th. 13th for Net Yards per Attempt.
 
The Pencil Neck said:
I must be misinterpreting what you're saying here. His Yards per Attempt is 7th in the league? His Adjusted Yards per Attempt is 4th. 13th for Net Yards per Attempt.
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You are. His y/a are 4.2, a y/a are 3.9, and n y/a are 3.5. You're looking at Bryce Young's stats?
 
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