Texans' CJ Stroud has 'rat poison' year in store in 2024, claims NFL insider
CJ Stroud blew over the roof in his rookie season, surpassing all expectations. However, Stroud won’t be a rookie anymore, and one NFL insider believes this year will determine his NFL legacy.
The Houston Texans drafted Stroud as the second overall pick in last year's draft. He displayed his skill by winning the AFC South division and making a deep playoff run as well. However, as per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, this upcoming season will be a “rat poison” season for the Texans and CJ Stroud.
Rapoport, on the NFL network’s ‘The Insider,’ highlighted the challenge in store for Houston in the 2024 season:
“This is what's coming for the Houston Texans. It is, as a former Alabama superstar DeMeco Ryans knows very well, rat poison. It is endless people telling them how good they are.”
Rapoport said that he believes in the abilities of CJ Stroud to become one of the best quarterbacks of his generation. But for that, he said that the Texans will need to buckle up for the second year of Stroud. Rapoport said:
“But the second year after the big success, these are the kinds of things this Houston Texas team is going to have to deal with. They're not under the radar. They really are no longer anyone's darlings, are not a surprise.
“Everyone knows they're coming. Everyone knows how good they are, and it's gonna be nothing but praise, endless praise, and it's just part of like Mahomes and the Chiefs deal with this a lot. It's part of what the Texans are really going to have to get through this season.”
All eyes will be on CJ Stroud for his sophomore season. He and his team will also have a target on his back from other AFC contenders.
When will CJ Stroud begin his training camp?
Stroud has already put in the time with 100% attendance during the OTAs and mandatory minicamp this offseason. However, he will look to get back in game shape as the Texans start their mandatory full training camp on July 22.
The Texans are not scheduled to take part in joint training sessions with any other franchise this year. However, their camp will continue until August 22 along with four preseason games.
After that, Stroud will take to the field against the Indianapolis Colts on September 8 in their season opener.