Texans WR Tank Dell: C.J. Stroud can be the 'best quarterback in the league'

C.J. Stroud enjoyed one of the best seasons ever for a rookie quarterback. Now, the pressure is on to surpass the lofty expectations.

On a recent segment of I Am Athlete, teammate Tank Dell said that Stroud’s makeup could allow him to reach those projections and put him in a class with Patrick Mahomes, The Houston Texans receiver mentioned Stroud sending teammates videos of upcoming opponents at 11 p.m. as an example of the quarterback’s mindset as a rookie.

“Dell said, ‘He certainly has a unique swag. It’s evident in his demeanor. I firmly believe that C.J. has the potential to be the league’s top quarterback. It’s not just because of my personal relation with him, but rather based on his consistent performance every week. What the world observes is exactly what we see. As a young man of 21, competing against seasoned players, he’s performing exceptionally every week. His consistency is noteworthy. I believe C.J. must continue his current trajectory to narrow the gap with Mahomes. I won’t deny, Mahomes is extraordinary… It’s definitely going to require substantial effort, but I believe as long as he keeps up his current momentum, he’s on the right track.'”

Stroud demonstrated his ability to excel under pressure as a rookie, aiding the Texans in securing numerous narrow victories. However, to reach a level of proficiency akin to Mahomes, Stroud will need to continually replicate this success. As defenses gain more insights into Stroud’s play style, the task will become increasingly difficult for the quarterback. The crucial factor will be his ability to consistently adapt and stay one step ahead.