C.J. Stroud asserting himself is a good sign for Texans

When the Houston Texans drafted C.J. Stroud last spring, they did so hoping he’d eventually become their franchise quarterback and team leader. After just one season as Texans starting QB, Stroud is already checking those boxes.

Stroud took home Rookie of the Year honors and recorded the second most passing yards during the regular and postseason in NFL history,= with 4,557. He finished with a 9-6 record and led the Texans to a playoff win.

Having those accolades on the resume after only one season is quite the feather in one’s cap. As we know in the NFL, the more successful a QB is the more power and influence he gains within the organization. Stroud has already shown that he’s not afraid to use his stroke to get what he wants.

In this year’s draft, Stroud used his pull to help land one of his former Ohio State teammates. Houston drafted tight end Cade Stover with the No.123 overall pick. It helps to know people in high places coming into the league.

"So, I was already on the phone with him before I got drafted that morning," Cade Stover told The Houston Chronicle of speaking with Stroud . "He was like, 'Dude, we're coming to get you. Tell me who likes you.' And I was like, 'Oh, these [teams] kind of like me, so if you could get in front of them it would be real nice.'"

Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow did something similar a couple of years ago playing a role in Ja’Marr Chase being selected No. 5 overall in the 2021 draft. These young franchise leaders are learning early on that they have pull.

That’s not a bad thing. Stroud’s willingness to speak up for a player he knows and feels could be an asset to the team shows leadership qualities. This also shows how comfortable Stroud is within the team. And Houston rolling with it speaks volumes about how much the organization trusts his judgment.

It doesn’t mean the Texans front office will go for every one of Stroud’s suggestions but keeping an open dialogue with your most important piece to future success shows that the Texans are headed in the right direction.