Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud looks forward to ‘going deeper and deeper’ with Texans

INDIANAPOLIS ⁠— It is no surprise the Houston Texans had a formal meeting with Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud at the NFL combine.

The Texans are performing their due diligence as they work through a talented quartet of quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL draft class that also features Alabama’s Bryce Young, Florida’s Anthony Richardson, and Kentucky’s Will Levis.

Stroud told reporters Friday that his meeting with the Texans and general manager Nick Caserio “went really well.”

“I got to meet everybody in their front office and had a great conversation,” Stroud said. “They asked me some questions and I feel like I did really good in the interview process with them, and I’m looking forward to going deeper and deeper and building a relationship with them.”

The Texans have the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. While the Chicago Bears do not need a quarterback at No. 1 overall, they may be inclined to listen to offers for quarterback-needy teams willing to hop Houston. A thorough evaluation of the class is vital for the Texans, not just to pick their guy, but to have a comprehensive understanding of the field should their signal caller not be available.

Stroud outlined what he hoped to demonstrate to teams, including the Texans, when he had his formal interviews at the combine.

“One thing about me I want to show first and foremost is my foundation of how I am as a man, as a person,” said Stroud. “Of course, I want to show I’m a man of God and let that be known. And then secondly, I just want to show who I am. I want to be myself and be unapologetically myself. No matter what room I step in, I want to let them know that I control the room, and that I’m a leader.”

Relative to football, which came third, Stroud offered his intelligence and willingness to be a student of the game.

“I do come from an offense that was high-powered and did put a lot of points up, but I’m willing to go back to square one and learn it all over again just to be great in this league,” said Stroud. “So those are three things I’ll try to show.”