DeMeco Ryans already knows what he likes about C.J. Stroud.
The Houston Texans coach familiarized himself with the former Ohio State quarterback during throughout the draft process, whether by analyzing the film or getting to know Stroud during his 30 visit inside NRG Stadium.
“With C.J., one thing I love about C.J. is that he’s a fierce competitor,” Ryans said April 28. “He wants to win. It means a lot to him to win. He has a burning desire to win, and I love that about him.”
Stroud compiled a 22-4 record with the Buckeyes in his two seasons as a starter, even leading Ohio State to a semifinal berth in the 2022 College Football Playoff.
“The talent on the field speaks for himself,” said Ryans. “He’s done an excellent job of leading a top program at Ohio State, very accurate making great decisions with the football and being a great leader of those guys around him, his teammates.”
Although Stroud was working with a stacked receiving corps that included Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison during his two seasons as a starter, the 6-3, 215-pound signal caller was able to throw for 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions with a 69.3 completion percentage.
Yet it wasn’t just the on-field performance and Stroud’s demeanor during the visits that convinced the Texans. What was said about Stroud by his coaches and teammates also factored into the positive perception surrounding the field general.
Said Ryans: “Along this process, along the way, every teammate of his that we’ve spoken to from Ohio State have all spoken highly of C.J. and the type of leader that he is.”
Stroud joins a Texans roster that already has three quarterbacks in E.J. Perry, Case Keenum, and incumbent starter Davis Mills, who logged a 5-19-1 record over the past two seasons in Houston.
