C.J. Stroud pass a powerful three-word message at Texans Brass,As the NFL Draft draws near
The Houston Texans have positioned themselves well to select the best player available when their first selection, at No. 42, finally becomes available, as most NFL clubs try to accomplish during the first wave of free agency.
Houston grabbed defensive end Danielle Hunter, wide receiver Stefon Diggs, running back Joe Mixon, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, and defensive lineman Denico Autry in a whirlwind of transactions that might change the course of the franchise.
The Texans gave up their first-round pick (No. 23) in order to hold onto money for later rounds, or what head coach DeMeco Ryans referred to as “the sweet spot” in the draft. Houston traded No. 23 to the Minnesota Vikings on March 15 in exchange for second- (No. 42) and sixth-round picks (No. 188) as well as a 2025 second-round selection.
When April 26th arrives, quarterback C.J. Stroud has some tips for the Texans’ brass on how to approach those choices: “Avoid being foolish.”
“Man, be wise to whoever is up there. Be not a moron. During a press conference on April 15, Stroud advised not to overthink things.
In the previous draft, the Texans didn’t have to consider Stroud too carefully. It was rather simple for them because of the Carolina Panthers.
A Little Increase in Power Rankings for Texans Following First Free Agency Moves
In the 2024 power rankings, the Houston Texans moved up one spot, from No. 9 to No. 8, following their initial round of free agency moves.
Nate Davis of USA Today stated on April 4 that “the roster around breakout quarterback C.J. Stroud appeared marginally improved (if far more expensive) following free agency, with the major arrivals being veteran DE Danielle Hunter and RB Joe Mixon.” “Then on Wednesday, Houston added wide receiver Stefon Diggs, which probably increased their chances of making it to the AFC championship game for the first time.”
Although adding Diggs doesn’t mean that Houston can’t find another pass-catching weapon for Stroud, it does alleviate the pressure. There is a strong wide receiver class in the 2024 draft, but it’s very likely that the Texans won’t take any of them.
Marvin Harrison Jr., the projected #1 wide receiver in the NFL Draft, is praised by C.J. Stroud.
A year or more has passed since Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. composed beautiful music together at Ohio State.
The two were unstoppable when they were on the field together. Over the course of 16 games, the pair connected for 1,402 yards and 17 touchdowns, per Sports Reference.
For Stroud, it’s simple to understand why this week’s first receiver selected should be his former teammate from Ohio State.
Activate the recording. From his actual freshman year to now, he has done everything, according to Stroud. “When you mention he’s NFL ready, but other guys have greater potential, I believe I read. That is nonsensical. As in, what? How can anything be “NFL ready” if it’s not potential? You want someone who has been doing it for a long time and longevity. That’s what he breathes, eats, and sleeps for. Although he is a talented man, his work ethic and demeanor in that room are questionable. I told him that he needed to step up and become the leader when Jaxon [Smith-Njigba] went down last year, and he succeeded in doing so.
He wasn’t really outspoken at first, but as he started to play more, you could see his personality start to emerge. Personally, I believe I would like playing with him once more. I’m really proud of him, even if I doubt I’ll get the chance to do so for some time.
The quarterback sensation is accurate. Fans won’t hear the terms Stroud and Harrison used in the same sentence for years, if at all. It is almost tough to select the anticipated top receiver if you do not have a first-round pick.
