There is little doubt which team is likely headed for the first pick in the NFL Draft. The Houston Texans are in the middle of a painful transition to a new coach and have yet to find a quarterback. By only picking up one win in their first 12 games, the Texans have put themselves in a position to draft a quarterback. Continue reading below to get our best CJ Stroud first overalll and much more.
Taking C.J. Stroud first overall will be an option for Houston. The Ohio State product has played at a high level over the past two seasons on the NCAAF schedule.
But this quarterback class has other alternatives, and Houston will likely be able to make a number of college football picks. With the NFL Draft four months away, here’s a look at which directions the Texans may be heading and if Stroud makes the most sense.
Do the Texans need a quarterback?
Yes. Houston drafted Davis Mills in the second round last season and thought he showed promise as a rookie. However, Mills’ sophomore effort has been less than expected from a standard quarterback. Houston will want to avoid picking a player who was held down by college football injuries because the Texans will likely be looking to start whoever they draft right away.
Young is a heavy favorite
NCAAF odds seem to indicate that Alabama quarterback Bryce Young will be Houston’s top target. When it comes to whether or not to choose C.J. Stroud first overall, Young may be the major foil in that plan. Young, who was the 2021 Heisman winner, saw a dip in his stats during his junior season.
Young had some struggles with injuries but was able to keep Alabama high in the NCAAF standings. This year, Young passed for 3,007 yards and 27 touchdowns. He was once again in the top 10 of Heisman voting. Young is only 6-foot tall and 194 pounds, but size hasn’t seemed to determine people from drafting quarterbacks recently.
What is Stroud’s case?
In most years, Stroud has the numbers where he could have been the Heisman winner this year or last year. In 2022, Stroud passed for 3,340 yards with 37 touchdowns and six interceptions. He was asked to throw the ball less this season and saw some decline across the board in terms of his numbers.
However, people who think believe choosing C.J. Stroud first overall will point to his performance on the field. Stroud has made a number of plays in the fourth quarters of games, especially against Penn State this season, to keep Ohio State in games.
Stroud has a few more physical gifts than Young does. Stroud is 6-3, 218 pounds, and is a physical player.
Another SEC quarterback will also be in the mix
Watching NCAAF games doesn’t usually find the casual fan landing on too many Kentucky games. However, Will Levis helped the Wildcats stay interesting when he was under center. Kentucky started the season 4-0 before finishing 7-5.
Levis, who showed during his time at Penn State that he was also a capable runner, has the physical tools to play at the next level. The question for Levis is can he keep up with the speed of the game? During Levis’ two years at Kentucky, he was intercepted 23 times.
Levis did pass for 2,405 yards and 19 touchdowns this season but also had ten passes intercepted. While Levis’ numbers don’t look great compared to his contemporaries, he has the size and tools which will make an NFL general manager take a flier on him.
Will C.J. Stroud go first overall?
There seems to be a belief that Young will be the guy to be picked in the top spot. Young has shown during his time at Alabama that he knows how to win and, when given time, can carve up defenses. Drafting a player like Young is a safe pick, especially with the success Alabama has had placing guys in the pro ranks.
Stroud has seen an incredible amount of success at Ohio State but still lags behind Young in reputation. However, Stroud has an opportunity to put more impressive highlights on film when the Buckeyes qualified for the College Football Playoff.
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