The early returns on Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud are incredibly strong after Sunday's 37-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
One executive from an AFC team told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler the rookie signal-caller is even more advanced than his draft scouting reports suggested.
"Big upside. Already further along than I expected," the exec said. "Pinpoint first-and second-level accuracy and shows anticipation flashes. Tough kid who takes hits and keeps on coming."
When the Carolina Panthers made their trade with the Chicago Bears to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, it was initially believed they did so with the intention of taking Stroud.