C.J. Stroud delivered a 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign that jump-started the Texans’ rise to AFC contender status.
How Yahoo Sports graded the Texans’ 2023 draft haul
The Houston Texans’ 2023 draft class reshaped the roster into an AFC powerhouse. Three years later, Yahoo Sports graded every pick — and C.J. Stroud’s early impact earned him an A-.
What the review says about C.J. Stroud’s three-year run
Stroud’s 2023 rookie season set the tone: Offensive Rookie of the Year honors capped a 2023 campaign that vaulted Houston into contention. Though his 2024 and 2025 performances dipped from that peak, he still guided the offense deep into the playoffs each year. Yahoo Sports calls him a capable leader who can carry the Texans when it matters most.
Why his A- grade matters for Houston’s future
The Texans built their AFC contender around Stroud’s 2023 breakthrough. Even after two uneven seasons, he remains the engine of Houston’s offense and a proven playoff quarterback. Yahoo Sports’ review frames him as the cornerstone of the franchise’s draft-day gamble.
Where the Texans’ draft class stands now
Will Anderson Jr. earned the lone A+ for his 30-sack, 230-pressure three-year tear. Stroud’s A- sits just behind, underscoring his outsize role in Houston’s rise. The rest of the class ranges from Tank Dell’s B- (injury cloud) to Jarrett Patterson’s B (depth piece) and Xavier Hutchinson’s B+ (reliable backup).
What’s next for Stroud and the Texans
Houston expects Stroud to rebound in 2026 and reclaim his 2023 form. The Texans’ draft review frames 2026 as a proving year for Stroud and the rest of the class to justify their early investments.