Prior to his draft selection in 2023, Stroud was an electric talent coming off two stellar years at Ohio State. As a starter (2021-2022), the 6-foot-3, 215 lb California kid went 21-4 and threw for a combined 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions. Along with that, he shattered a litany of collegiate records. 

His play earned him back-to-back Big 10 Offensive Player of the Year awards, two final-four finishes for the Heisman Trophy, a thrilling come from behind Rose Bowl win over Utah in 2021 and a heartbreaking semi-finals loss against the Georgia Bulldogs 42-41 in the 2022 College Football Playoffs.

Though he never won the "big game" in college, Stroud had put himself on the NFL map with his size, IQ, playmaking ability and calmness under pressure. He certainly looked like a "can't miss prospect" heading into the 2023 draft. 

Fast forward three NFL seasons later, and Stroud is currently the biggest laughing stock at the quarterback position in the entire league. 

Being selected by the Texans at #2 overall, Stroud led the franchise to a 32-19 total record, back-to-back AFC South Titles, three-straight 10+ win seasons and three-straight AFC Playoff berths. He even won the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2023. 

So how could someone with that kind of stat line possibly be viewed that negatively after three highly productive years? Well, besides being 0-3 in the AFC Divisional round, Stroud has had a perception of regression over his last two seasons. 

While his team has flourished under the leadership of head coach Demeco Ryans, Stroud himself has seen his individual game-by-game effectiveness take multiple hits along the way. Here are some stats for reference:

2023: 310/499 (63.9%), 4,108 yards (8.2 avg), 23 TDs, 5 INTs, 100.8 rating

2024: 336/532 (63.2%), 3,727 yards (7.0 avg), 20 TDs, 12 INTs, 87.0 rating

2025: 273/423 (64.5%), 3,041 yards (7.2 avg), 19 TDs, 8 INTS, 92.9 rating

To be fair, Stroud has now played under two different offensive coordinators, dealt with an injury-plagued roster and has been asked to stand behind one of the most problematic offensive lines since 2023. 

Even still, the poise, proficiency and confidence that Stroud exuded in his rookie season has gradually become panic, uncertainty and poor decisions in high-leverage moments. 

This regression was punctuated by the worst two-game stretch in the history of NFL playoff football that happened across the first two weeks of this year's AFC postseason.

Against both the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots, Stroud suffered 5+ fumbles (two lost) and 5+ interceptions total, which is the first time in NFL history where that has happened.

He got away with it in a 30-6 defensive demolition job against the Steelers, but the bottom finally fell out in Houston's 28-16 loss against the Patriots.  

The captain of the ship essentially threw himself overboard, along with his crewmates and their treasure chest full of Super Bowl hopes and aspirations in 2025. 

Stroud is extremely talented, we all know that to be true. Yet, his sudden lack of ball security and situational awareness has startled many into believing that Houston might need to reconsider their commitment to the young signal-caller long term. 

It's not just contract money that Stroud lost this season. He's lost the trust of the fanbase and the positive reputation that his elite-level rookie year bought him. 

Now, Stroud is effectively starting from scratch in year four. 

With a second year alongside offensive coordinator Nick Caley, along with an improved offensive roster (here's hoping), will Stroud be able to recapture his consistency in the pocket and his domination of opposing secondaries? 

The NFL world, specifically the city of Houston, is watching. 

What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below and by mentioning us at @Texans_RTB on X and @Texans.Roundtable on TikTok!