The public usually looks to the on-air NFL analysts for all their football news and rankings. Sometimes you get more interesting content from current players in the league, and rookies are not an exception to the rule.
Houston Texans rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, was asked for his top five quarterbacks on the spot by the Caps Off Podcast. Stroud’s list was fairly non-controversial until he got to his fifth pick…
C.J. Stroud Ranks Top 5 QBs in the NFL
“It’s hard, bruh,” said the former Ohio State star. “There’s a lot of dogs out there, so I respect everybody.” Nevertheless, Stroud’s rankings are as follows:
- Jalen Hurts | Philadelphia Eagles
- Patrick Mahomes | Kansas City Chiefs
- Joe Burrow | Cincinnati Bengals
- Josh Allen | Buffalo Bills
- Justin Fields | Chicago Bears
Like most of us, the Justin Fields selection at No. 5 is confusing, to say the least. It could be explained by Stroud and Fields both being former teammates at Ohio State. Fields did have an impressive season (rushing) in 2022, but he didn’t rank consistently in the top five amongst quarterbacks — despite the two’s friendship connection.
If you look at Pro Football Network’s QB Power Rankings, Fields actually ranks below Stroud at 19. That spot is good enough for him to be in the “Useful But Limited” section alongside names like Daniel Jones, Kyler Murray, and Derek Carr.
MORE: Patrick Mahomes Still Learning From Tom Brady
“After a resurgent middle of the season, Justin Fields came back down to Earth in the final games of the year. But he can cause some damage and showed the potential worth investing in. He’ll need to mature his passing game, but with Fields’ ability to run, there will always be a floor.”
Fields finished the 2022 season ranked:
- 26th in passing yards (2,242)
- 32nd in completion percentage (60.4%)
- 1st in the league in fumbles (9)
- 34th in yards per game (149.5)
It appeared on the interview that Stroud realized his fumble and quickly added that “Nah, I like Lamar [Jackson] too.” Stroud left a few other noticeable quarterbacks off his list, including (but not limited to) Aaron Rodgers, Trevor Lawrence, Justin Herbert, and the aforementioned Lamar Jackson.
No one can fault the rookie for dropping a friend’s name, but Stroud may have to adjust his list the next time he’s asked.
