C.J. Stroud has slipped out of the NFL’s top-10 quarterback rankings for the second straight year, landing in the lowest tier of ESPN’s July 13 positional poll.
What happened?
ESPN’s annual positional rankings—based on votes from unnamed executives, coaches, and scouts—placed Stroud in the “others receiving votes” group. That’s two straight years of decline: he ranked No. 7 after his 2023 rookie season, then earned an honorable mention in 2025. This time, Stroud was lumped with Denver’s Bo Nix and Indianapolis’ Daniel Jones in the bottom bracket, with Stroud listed last by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Why it matters for C.J. Stroud
Stroud’s slide tracks public skepticism after two inconsistent seasons. The Texans rebuilt their offensive line and running game this offseason, but the Texans still must weigh Stroud’s long-term outlook. His two concussions in three NFL seasons add health risk to the equation.
Super Bowl champion Ryan Clark—now a media personality—told *The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny* on July 6 that protection and Stroud’s execution will decide Houston’s 2026 fate. “I just don’t think I’m going to take Pittsburgh and New England, a little bit of the Chargers late in the season—his performance after the first quarter in that game—and say that’s who he’s going to be this year,” Clark said.
What comes next?
The Texans face a crossroads on Stroud’s future. His 2026 season looms as the most critical yet for the third-year pro. The franchise must decide whether to build around him or explore alternatives while his stock keeps falling.
Both sides remain in limbo until the long-term picture clarifies. The Texans’ roster overhaul aims to fix the issues around Stroud, but his own play must improve to silence the critics.