The 2023 NFL Draft took place from April 27-29. Heading into the draft, C.J. Stroud was considered one of the best quarterback prospects but was no lock to be taken highly. When did the Houston Texans select Stroud? What other quarterbacks were taken, and how did they perform?
When Was C.J. Stroud Selected in the 2023 NFL Draft?
The first round of the NFL Draft is often filled with multiple quarterbacks. Being the most important position in the sport, teams have no choice but to take shots at hitting big. After a disastrous 2022 quarterback class that may go down as the worst in NFL history, the 2023 class had multiple first-round talents.
The Texans “lost” out on the first overall pick by scoring a go-ahead touchdown and two-point conversion with under a minute remaining in their final game of the 2022 season.
With the Carolina Panthers a lock to take a quarterback first overall, the Texans no longer had their choice of Stroud or Bryce Young — they would get whoever the Panthers didn’t take.
Furthermore, in the days leading up to the draft, there were rumors that the Texans might pass on quarterback altogether and opt to take EDGE Will Anderson Jr. instead.
Ultimately, the Texans, who desperately needed a quarterback, made the correct decision to take Stroud. Would they have taken Young had they picked first overall? No one can know for sure. The only thing we know for sure right now is they’re quite glad they got Stroud.
As a rookie, Stroud posted one of the best seasons of all time for a first-year quarterback. He took a team that was projected to come in last place to the playoffs and even won a game.
Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns against just five interceptions. One year does not a career make, but Stroud sure looks like he is going to be a top-five quarterback in the NFL for the next decade.
Who Were the Other Quarterbacks Selected in the 2023 NFL Draft?
A total of 14 quarterbacks were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft:
- Bryce Young, No. 1 (CAR)
- C.J. Stroud, No. 2 (HOU)
- Anthony Richardson, No. 4 (IND)
- Will Levis, No. 33 (TEN)
- Hendon Hooker, No. 66 (DET)
- Jake Haener, No. 127 (NO)
- Stetson Bennett, No. 128 (LAR)
- Aidan O’Connell, No. 135 (LV)
- Clayton Tune, No. 139 (ARI)
- Dorian Thompson-Robinson, No. 140 (CLE)
- Sean Clifford, No. 149 (GB)
- Jaren Hall, No. 164 (MIN)
- Tanner McKee, No. 188 (PHI)
- Max Duggan, No. 239 (LAC)
Stroud was the only member of this class to put together a strong rookie season. However, at least four (the first four drafted) will be opening-day starters in 2024. We also saw a total of eight rookie quarterbacks make at least one start in 2023.
Young struggled and was eventually benched for Andy Dalton in 2024. He did take over the role again when Dalton was injured in a car accident. Anthony Richardson was also benched for a veteran in Joe Flacco.
Will Levis flashed in his rookie season but struggled in 2024 before suffering an injury and being replaced by Mason Rudolph.