Texans QB C.J. Stroud makes PFF’s Top 10 Quarterbacks of 2024 list

Time for Stroud to walk the walk

The Houston Texans were the talk of the 2023 NFL Draft when they selected Ohio State Buckeye quarterback C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick, then traded with the Arizona Cardinals to land the third pick, which they promptly used on Alabama Crimson Tide EDGE Will Anderson Jr..

Stroud proceeded to make his name known by lighting up opposing defenses as he led the Texans to their first AFC South crown in several years.

This offseason, Stroud has continued to make a name for himself with several, very well publicized appearances where proponents have derided him for talking too much.

With the 2024 preseason a little over a month away, and Texans training camp starting on July 17th, Stroud’s going to have the chance to walk that walk real soon.

PFF.com

We are taking a look forward to the 2024 season and ranking all 32 projected starting quarterbacks heading into the year.

TIER 1: MAHOMES

TIER 2: THE ELITE

2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

4. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

TIER 3: POSTSEASON-CALIBER QBS

5. JUSTIN HERBERT, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

6. DAK PRESCOTT, DALLAS COWBOYS.

7. MATTHEW STAFFORD, LOS ANGELES RAMS

8. AARON RODGERS, NEW YORK JETS

9. JALEN HURTS, PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

10. C.J. STROUD, HOUSTON TEXANS

Cracking the top 10 after just one season may seem like a reach for Stroud, but man, his rookie year was impressive. His yards, touchdowns and big-time throw numbers all placed in the top half of the league, and he had some clutch moments and drives that were well beyond his years.

Stroud also logged the third-most completions of 20-plus yards (32) with the lowest turnover-worthy play rate in the league on such passes. That combination of success versus negative plays is unheard of for a rookie. Where Stroud struggled in 2023 was, understandably, knowing what he could and could not get away with in the NFL — and knowing when to take the chances and where to look. That’s all an experience thing. If he takes a step forward from what we saw in 2023, this top-10 ranking might be too low.

According to PFF, Stroud ranked 14th in passing attempts, eighth in yards, 13th (tie) in touchdowns and 35th (tie) in interceptions. That earned him an overall PFF grade of 82.8, with a 79.4 passing grade and a 76.3 rushing grade.

Stroud’s high water mark came in week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he landed a 91.1 overall PFF grade. His lowest start, week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens at 55.2.

Assuming Stroud has done nothing but improve this off-season, 2024 is going to be fun for Texans fans. And Nico Collins.