Why the Texans’ C.J. Stroud isn’t entering worst situation for a rookie QB

The Houston Texans needed to upgrade quarterback, and they did so with C.J. Stroud.

However, the rest of the sports world perceives Stroud as going to one of the worst situations a rookie quarterback could face in 2023.

According to John Kosko from Pro Football Focus,

Arguably the worst situation for a rookie quarterback, the Texans currently have a roster that leaves a lot to be desired. They proved aggressive in adding key players during the 2023 NFL Draft, but they gave up a future first-round pick to do so. Stroud has an uphill battle to make the Texans relevant, with the big challenge being his ability to elevate the talent around him. He possesses the talent to become a good starting quarterback with pinpoint accuracy and better athleticism than what he showed in college, but his capability to step up in big games and perform under pressure might limit his ceiling.

A point missed regarding the Texans’ offense is their offensive line, which features three-time Pro Bowler Laremy Tunsil at left tackle. Houston also has former first-round talent in left guard Kenyon Green and right tackle Tytus Howard. The Texans upgraded right guard by trading for Shaq Mason. Center remains a liability, but they could have a solution between their trio of veterans — Michael Deiter, Scott Quessenberry, Jimmy Morrissey — and rookie duo of Juice Scruggs and Jarrett Patterson.

The run game also experienced an upgrade, and it was already fixed with Dameon Pierce. Adding Devin Singletary creates a two-headed monster.

The receiving corps doesn’t have any big names with Robert Woods, John Metchie, and Nico Collins, but the Texans signed a quality tight end with Dalton Schultz.

None of this takes into account the coaching staff led by DeMeco Ryans.

There have been worse situations rookie quarterbacks have had to endure, but Stroud is not going into such a scenario.