In the recent NFL draft, the Houston Texans made a bold move by selecting The Ohio St. quarterback C.J. Stroud as the number two overall pick. This decision came after Bryce Young, another highly touted quarterback, was taken as the first pick. The draft has generated a lot of speculation, especially regarding what the Texans would do with their selection.
From a fantasy football perspective, CJ Stroud’s value as a redraft league option seems limited at the moment. The Texans’ receiving corps lacks significant playmaking ability, with names like Nico Collins, Brevin Jordan, and John Metchie. Without notable upgrades to the offensive weapons, it’s difficult to envision Stroud surpassing 4,000 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. Without significant improvements, he wouldn’t be a priority as a number two quarterback in redraft leagues.
Shifting the focus to dynasty leagues, where the long-term potential is valued, Stroud’s value becomes more intriguing. Taking him in the first round, around the 10th or 12th overall pick, might be a stretch in one-quarterback leagues. Considering the current state of the Texans’ offense, the lack of a clear path to success could limit his ceiling as a fantasy quarterback. However, in superflex leagues, where multiple quarterbacks are started, Stroud could be a top-seven pick in rookie-only drafts. His value would likely be behind quarterbacks like Anthony Richardson and Bryce Young, but still a viable option given his potential.
Analyzing the impact on the Texans’ receiving corps, it takes time to identify clear beneficiaries. With an unimpressive group that includes Nico Collins, Robert Woods, John Mecthie, and Noah Brown, no standout player is expected to receive a significant number of targets. However, Dalton Schultz, the tight end acquisition from the Dallas Cowboys, could be an interesting option. Without a dominant wide receiver, Schultz’s size and short-area skills make him a possible leader in targets. Similar to how San Francisco utilizes their tight end, Schultz could see red zone usage and be a fallback option if you miss out on the top tight ends in drafts.
Regarding the running game, the presence of CJ Stroud as the rookie quarterback brings some uncertainty. While it may take some time for Stroud to acclimate to the NFL, the situation shouldn’t be worse than last year with Davis Mills under center. Dameon Pierce remains an intriguing option, capable of finishing as a top-15 fantasy running back. Devin Singletary‘s role shouldn’t overshadow Pierce’s potential, as the Texans’ offense is expected to rely on Pierce initially. However, Singletary’s involvement could increase, considering the praise he has received from the coaching staff.
In summary, CJ Stroud’s fantasy value as a redraft league option is currently limited due to the Texans’ lackluster receiving corps. However, his long-term potential in dynasty leagues makes him a desirable choice, especially in superflex formats. The Texans’ receiving corps lacks a clear standout player, but Dalton Schultz could provide value at the tight end position. Damien Pierce remains a solid fantasy option in the running game, and while Devin Singletary could have a role, Pierce should still be the primary focus. As fantasy managers, we hope Stroud’s presence can elevate the offense and provide opportunities for all players in Houston.
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