Bleacher Report predicts CJ Stroud's rookie stats

When the Houston Texans selected Ohio State star quarterback CJ Stroud, they did so with the hopes of him becoming a franchise quarterback. 

While becoming a franchise quarterback is a continuous evolution year-to-year for players, the first few seasons often determine if they are one. Playing quarterback in the NFL is no easy feat, and many great quarterbacks have struggled mightily in their first season. However, with the deeper investment in the offensive line, new weapons to throw to, a potential number-one receiver, and a top-10 running back, hopes are high for Stroud and Houston going into 2023. 

Bleacher Report's Alex Kay recently projected each starting NFL quarterbacks end of season stat line. Here's what they had to say about the Texans' new signal caller: 

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Stroud has all the tools to be an elite NFL passer, but his ceiling early in his career will be severely impacted by the lack of talent surrounding him.

Projection: 62 percent completion rate, 3,349 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 44 carries, 138 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown."

- Alex Kay

While the Houston Texans offense ranked dead-last in total offense last season, as a team, they threw for 3,642 yards, 60% completion, 20 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions. This projection has the Texans' new quarterback having a season just below the entire team's quarterback room did last season. We did our draft analysis on the Stroud selection and an in-depth breakdown of his collegiate tape. Ultimately, Stroud is a highly accurate quarterback who operates best at distributing the football to his playmakers and putting them in a position to do damage after the catch. With that in mind, count me out on this projection for Stroud. 

In defense of the projection, only Justin Herbert, Carson Wentz, and Cam Newton have eclipsed those projected yards in the last 15 years. However, with the talent added around him and his skill as an upgrade to the quarterback room, there is reason to believe Stroud can eclipse the passing numbers of last year's 4th-worst passing attack and reach the 3,700-yard mark.

What do you think of the projection? Where do you think CJ Stroud can land statistically amongst other NFL quarterbacks in 2023? Let us know your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter @Texans_TT or @manfreonair.