Texans' Dell: Stroud has chance to be 'best QB in the league'

Houston Texans receiver Tank Dell is among those who believe that C.J. Stroud could be poised to become the top quarterback in the NFL.

"C.J. got the opportunity to be the best quarterback in the league," Dell told "I Am Athlete" in a recent interview. "(It's) not me just saying that because of who he is to me but just like what I'm seeing him do each and every week. What the world see, they seeing exactly what we're seeing, how he just coming out there as a 21-year-old man going against grown men, and he's out here just balling every week. "

The former Ohio State star helped lead a turnaround in Houston in his first pro season. After the club finished with a 3-13-1 record in 2022, Stroud led the Texans to an AFC South division title and a win in the wild-card round against the Cleveland Browns. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year after throwing for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five interceptions with a 63.9% completion rate.

Dell said that the praise for Stroud isn't hyperbole. The wideout points to Stroud's preparation ahead of games and how he critiques himself and brings "a special type of swag" to the Texans' offense.

Following a successful debut in 2023, there's anticipation across the league that Stroud can elevate his play in his second year and perhaps even become an MVP contender.

"I feel like C.J. got to just keep doing what he's doing to bridge the gap between him and (Patrick) Mahomes. I'm not going to lie, Mahomes is special," Dell said.

Dell also noted that while Stroud has enjoyed a hot start to his career, he believes that the franchise needs to continue to bring in pieces to help the team grow.

Houston was proactive early in the offseason to bolster its roster around its star quarterback. The team acquired receiver Stefon Diggs and halfback Joe Mixon in trades. They're joining a group that also includes wideouts Dell and Nico Collins.