Is C.J. Stroud Worth Drafting As Your QB2 In Superflex Leagues? Fantasy Football Outlook

The Houston Texans drafted C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud started two seasons at Ohio State, where he threw for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns. 

Stroud will now have the opportunity to start Week 1 for a rebuilding Texans team. He'll compete with Davis Mills and Case Keenum for the starting job out of Training Camp, and he's certainly the favorite. The rookie has reportedly excelled at Houston's minicamp this offseason.

Is that enough to draft him as your QB2 in superflex leagues? Let's take a look.

C.J. Stroud's College Career 

Stroud was a college superstar in two seasons at Ohio State with receivers like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. to throw to. He led the Big Ten in passing yards and touchdowns in 2021 (4,435 yards, 44 touchdowns) and 2022 (3,688 yards, 41 touchdowns). His 85 career touchdown passes are the fifth most in Big Ten history. 

Stroud also delivered a sensational performance in the Peach Bowl last season, putting his game on notice. He threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns. 

Despite the Ohio State quarterback not being much of a runner in his college career – he only had 108 rush yards on 47 attempts last season – there's no doubt Stroud succeeded using his strong arm and the weapons around him. He finished fourth in the Heisman voting in 2021 and third in 2022. 

Is C.J. Stroud Worth Drafting As Your QB2 In Superflex Leagues?

Taking rookie quarterbacks in fantasy always comes with growing pains. Here is how recent rookie quarterbacks selected in the top five have fared in year one: 

• Trevor Lawrence (1st overall 2021): QB23 averaging 12.2 fantasy points in 17 games (four games above 18 fantasy points)
• Zach Wilson (2nd overall 2021): QB30 averaging 12.1 fantasy points in 13 games (four games above 18 fantasy points)
• Joe Burrow (1st overall 2020): QB25 averaging 16.9 fantasy points in 10 games (four games above 18 fantasy points)
• Tua Tagovailoa (5th overall 2020): QB31 averaging 13.9 fantasy points in 10 games (four games above 18 fantasy points)
• Kyler Murray (1st overall 2019): QB6 averaging 18.3 fantasy points in 16 games (seven games above 18 fantasy points)

Some rookie quarterbacks tend to do well in fantasy. Murray was easily a QB1 in his first season, and Burrow was a QB2 in superflex leagues before his injury. Justin Herbert was also a fantasy superstar right away, finishing as the QB9. Other rookies usually take time to get going, but when they break onto the scene, the sky's the limit.

Stroud has a solid offensive line to protect him with a rejuvenated receiver group, making him worthy of a roster spot in superflex leagues due to his upside. He might not start on your roster in Week 1, but he can move into the QB2 spot as the season progress. 

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