Heading into the 2023 NFL season, the Houston Texans were clearly in a transitional phase, with plenty of anticipation surrounding their strategy for the upcoming draft. With the second overall pick, the consensus was whether the team would focus on addressing their glaring need at quarterback or opt for a game-changing pass rusher. In a calculated move, the Texans decided to do both, selecting Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud and trading up to pick Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. at number three.
Fast forward to today, and it’s evident that this dynamic duo—Anderson flourishing as one of the league’s premier defensive ends and Stroud energizing a previously struggling offense—has rejuvenated the Texans. They managed to clinch a playoff spot during their rookie season, a remarkable turnaround from a disheartening 3-13-1 campaign the year before. Despite these strides, expectations seemed to escalate quickly, with hopes pinned on a Super Bowl run as soon as 2024.
However, rather than experiencing the anticipated growth, the Texans stumbled through the 2024 season, showing signs of stagnation—especially on the offensive side of the ball. Looking ahead to 2025, the situation is worrying, and it’s becoming clear that Stroud might be set up to struggle in Houston, with factors beyond his control potentially setting him back.
The Dangers of Failing to Build Around Stroud
In today’s NFL landscape, there’s nothing quite like hitting the jackpot with a top-tier quarterback draft pick and methodically constructing a formidable roster—especially when that quarterback is still on a rookie contract. Unfortunately for the Texans, they are on the brink of squandering the golden opportunity that Stroud’s budget-friendly contract affords them.
The struggles of last season can trace back to several clear and impactful issues. First and foremost were the injuries that plagued the offensive roster. Key players such as Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins faced frustrating setbacks, while Joe Mixon and Tank Dell also dealt with injuries that hindered their contributions. With the constant shuffling of personnel, it’s no surprise that chemistry was hard to come by on offense.
Equally troubling was the Texans’ offensive line play. It was a significant concern throughout the year, characterized by a high pressure rate on Stroud—an alarming 37.8 percent of his dropbacks resulted in pressure, ranking as one of the highest in the league. As the Texans made their playoff push, the situation only worsened. In the Wild Card Round, Stroud faced pressure on 43.6 percent of his dropbacks, and in the Divisional Round, that number soared to an unsustainable 56.1 percent. It’s nearly impossible for any quarterback to thrive under such relentless duress.
Missed Opportunities in Free Agency
Given the critical need to revamp the offensive line, the offseason presented an ideal opportunity to make strategic enhancements. However, instead of reinforcing the line with proven talent, the Texans traded away their most reliable piece, Laremy Tunsil, to Washington. This move, which netted them a bundle of mid-round draft picks, left a gaping hole in the offensive front. Some might argue they should’ve kept Shaq Mason, who, despite his struggles in 2024, had provided stability the previous year.
Fans were left wanting more when the Texans approached free agency. Rather than making impactful signings to bolster the offensive line, the front office opted for a stopgap in Laken Tomlinson, a player whose best days seem well behind him. While salary cap constraints limited their options, the need for a more aggressive approach was evident.
Looking Ahead
As the Texans set their sights on the 2025 NFL Draft, the strategy appears to heavily emphasize the offensive line. Yet, this approach feels fraught with risk. With two years remaining until Stroud’s salary escalates significantly, one has to question whether rebuilding the offensive line using aging veterans and rookies is the right move.
Last season made it glaringly clear that inconsistencies up front severely hindered the offense’s progress. To merely bandage over the line’s issues instead of tackling them head-on feels like a disservice to Stroud and the potential he’s shown. If this current path continues, it’s hard to envision a scenario where C.J. Stroud can flourish in Houston, and that’s a disappointing reality for fans and the franchise alike.
