Houston (AP) — Despite being selected as the second overall pick in this year’s draft, quarterback C.J. Stroud remains unfazed by the fact that the Panthers immediately designated Bryce Young, the first selection, as their starting quarterback on Day 1 of training camp. In contrast, the Houston Texans have opted to make Stroud compete for the position.
“I’m genuinely happy for Bryce, but we each have our own unique circumstances,” Stroud asserted on Sunday. “My focus is on improving myself and contributing to the team’s success. It’s not about who starts or who doesn’t; it’s about preparing for our Week 1 match against Baltimore.”
Stroud is currently in contention with Davis Mills for the quarterback role on the team. Throughout the initial days of camp, the Texans have been dividing the first-team snaps between the two candidates.
In other news, it has been reported that the Houston Texans decided to draft C.J. Stroud after facing difficulties with Davis Mills as their starting quarterback for the past two seasons. This situation arose when Deshaun Watson opted to sit out due to a trade request. Subsequently, he was eventually traded to the Cleveland Browns before the start of last season. The Texans are hoping that Stroud’s addition will bring stability and improvement to their quarterback position.
Mills’ performance as the starting quarterback for the Houston Texans has been far from stellar, with a record of 5-22-1 in 28 games, including 26 starts. Unfortunately, the team struggled significantly, ranking among the NFL’s worst during this period.
C.J. Stroud’s arrival marks the third time the Texans have used their first-round pick on a quarterback. The previous two quarterbacks were Deshaun Watson, selected 12th overall in 2017, and David Carr, the team’s inaugural draft pick taken first overall in 2002.
Considering the high draft position of Stroud, many expect him to eventually take over as the team’s starting quarterback. However, the newly appointed coach, DeMeco Ryans, is emphasizing that it’s currently an open competition between Stroud and Mills.
Coach Ryans has been notably vocal about the dedication and commitment that Stroud has displayed since joining the team, suggesting that the 21-year-old quarterback is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to prove himself worthy of the starting position. As of now, the starting quarterback role remains up for grabs, and both Stroud and Mills will have an opportunity to compete and showcase their abilities during training camp.
Coach DeMeco Ryans has been effusive in his praise for C.J. Stroud’s work ethic and dedication to football. Ryans highlights that Stroud is a genuine football enthusiast, constantly engaged in studying the game, seeking additional insights from coaches through cut-ups, and displaying a remarkable mental understanding of the sport. This passion and commitment to football give Ryans confidence that Stroud will only continue to improve as he progresses in his career.
During his time at Ohio State, Stroud showcased his skills as a quarterback, impressively throwing for 8,123 yards with 85 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions in his two years as a starter. Notably, his 85 touchdowns set a new Big Ten record previously held by Drew Brees.
Despite the competition with Davis Mills for the starting quarterback position, Stroud acknowledges the invaluable guidance and support he has received from Mills and fellow quarterback Case Keenum as he transitions from college to the professional level. Stroud emphasizes that even though they may be competing against each other, they are still willing to learn and grow together, fostering a positive and supportive environment in the quarterback room.
Despite the stakes involved in the training camp and the battle for the starting job, Stroud is striving to maintain his focus and approach the job consistently day by day. He understands the importance of staying true to his process and not letting the competition alter his work ethic or mindset.
C.J. Stroud believes in maintaining a consistent mindset and work ethic, avoiding unnecessary complexities. He finds that trying to adopt a different mindset can lead to confusion. Instead, he keeps his focus on working diligently, striving to improve each day both on and off the field. Stroud’s dedication to continuous improvement is evident in his determination to be the best version of himself.
As he embarks on his first NFL season, Stroud has set numerous goals for himself. However, his approach to setting these goals is not solely focused on grand, long-term objectives. He also values the significance of small, achievable goals. Stroud acknowledges the power of accomplishing these smaller milestones as they contribute to the attainment of larger ambitions naturally. By diligently checking off these smaller goals, he creates a solid foundation for accomplishing more significant feats in the future.
In college, Stroud practiced this goal-setting approach, and he plans to continue doing so in the NFL. By striking a balance between ambition and realism, he aims to maximize his potential and achieve great success in his professional football journey.