Texans’ CJ Stroud ‘Very Excited’ to Have Full Offseason to ‘Really Get Better’

Tyler Conway@@jtylerconwayFeatured Columnist IVMay 11, 2024

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A year removed from being the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft, Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud is happy the process is behind him.

“I’m coming to the same offense, and I get to slow down and really get better at what we’re trying to get done this next year,” Stroud told reporters Friday. “So I’m very excited for that.”

Stroud spent much of his offseason a year ago preparing for the NFL draft. He trained for the combine, the Ohio State pro day and met with several teams before being taken one spot behind Bryce Young in the draft.

“I was meeting every team, going through offense after offense, meeting with a new coordinator, meeting with a new head coach next week, then finally got here and everything just ramped up,” Stroud said.

Instead of spending months on draft prep, Stroud has instead had months to further learn the Houston offense and work out with teammates behind the scenes. He already spent time with new teammate Stefon Diggs after his trade from the Buffalo Bills, and Stroud said he’s working on developing his voice as a leader.

“I’m the leader of the whole offense, and really the team, so even the things that DeMeco has been saying just to build that foundation and fundamentals and doing the right things,” Stroud said.

Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns against five interceptions during his rookie season. He led the Texans to a surprise run to the AFC Divisional Round and will come into 2024 with even bigger expectations.

Houston acquired Diggs and running back Joe Mixon in trades to fortify its offense around its burgeoning star quarterback. If Stroud takes a second-year leap, there’s no reason to believe the Texans will be anything short of a Super Bowl contender.