With NFL Training Camps right around the corner, ESPN recently asked league executives, coaches, and scouts to help them rank the Top 10 player at 11 different positions.
When it came to the Top 10 quarterbacks in the league, Houston Texans' third-year signal caller C.J. Stroud found himself on the outside looking in, receiving honorable mention alongside Green Bay Packers' Jordan Love.
"The voting for spots eight through 11 was close." ESPN''s Jeremy Fowler wrote. "Stroud appeared on nearly half the ballots but struggled to capture the same momentum that landed him in the No. 7 spot after his rookie year." Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff checked in at No. 8 on the list, Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts at No. 9, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield No. 10.
Stroud's production took a noticeable dip from his rookie campaign to last season.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) participates in a drill
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) participates in a drill
Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
In 2023, the former Ohio State star threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns to go with only five interceptions in 15 games. Last season, across 17 contests, Stroud totaled 3,727 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He was also sacked 52 times last season, compared to 38 the previous year.
"That can affect your confidence when the protection and the playcalling around you isn't great," an NFL quarterbacks coach told ESPN. "It can all tie together. But the framework of what made him great his rookie year is still there ... Such a natural thrower of the football with elite ball placement."
Not only will Stroud have a rebuilt offensive line this fall, but he's also welcoming new offensive coordinator Nick Caley, who is expected give Stroud more control of Houston's offense this season.
"While his production was down from the previous year in most categories, Stroud had to overcome issues with Houston's offense in 2024. Most doubters expect him back in the top 10 next year." Fowler wrote.
As far as ESPN's other positional rankings, Houston's Joe Mixon (No. 9) was among the top 10 running backs, while Will Anderson Jr. (No. 8) and Danielle Hunter (No. 9) each made the edge rushers list. The rankings continue this week with off-ball linebackers (July 15), weide receivers (July 16), and cornerbacks (July 17).