CJ Stroud reveals his top-5 NFL quarterback rankings

Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) throws the ball during warmups before a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

CJ Stroud recently shared his rankings of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Houston Texans star feels he is very close to the top of the league.

In a post on his Instagram story, Stroud listed his rankings for the top-five quarterbacks in the NFL based “off of last year.” He placed himself third, behind Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson and ahead of Josh Allen and Dak Prescott.

WOW: OROY CJ Stroud lists his top 5 QBs from last year. pic.twitter.com/bJtcvOjJfO

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) June 1, 2024

Stroud specified that he was basing the top five on the 2023 season. He threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and just 5 interceptions while leading the Texans to the playoffs. It is fair to place him in the top five after the rookie season he had.

Some felt that Brock Purdy should have made the list, especially since Stroud seems to have taken the playoffs into account. Patrick Mahomes had an up-and-down regular season with 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, but Stroud still ranked the Kansas City Chiefs star No. 1. If Stroud was factoring in the postseason, Purdy should have made the list. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback had 4,280 yards, 33 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in the regular season before leading his team to the Super Bowl.

As for Stroud, he will need to prove he can avoid the dreaded sophomore slump this season. The Texans have certainly placed him in a position to continue to succeed with one blockbuster trade they made.