Even before the 2023 NFL Draft began, national media members loved C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson and their fits with the Texans.

One week ago, the Houston Texans shocked everyone within the first 15 minutes of the 2023 NFL Draft. After selecting QB C.J. Stroud with the No. 2 pick, Houston jumped from No. 12 to 3 following a trade with Arizona to grab defensive standout Will Anderson Jr. But even before the picks were made, national media loved Stroud, Anderson and their fits with the Texans.

“With C.J. Stroud, to me, he could certainly fit that bill because he is the best pure passer in this draft,” NFL Network’s Rhett Lewis said of quarterback needs on the Deep Slant podcast. “Plain and simple. He throws the ball better than anybody on a consistent basis.”

Stroud, who led the Buckeyes to a 21-4 record during his three seasons, will begin his NFL career in Texans OC Bobby Slowik’s offensive scheme. After starting all 13 games for Ohio State last year, Stroud led the nation in pass efficiency rating in 2022 (177.7). Pro Football Focus’ lead draft analyst Mike Renner praised Stroud’s accuracy and liked the pairing of the young quarterback with Slowik.

“I think in the system you’re bringing over from San Francisco, Bobby Slowik’s offense, I don’t expect it to be too dissimilar from what the 49ers run,” Renner said. “And if you look at his tape at Ohio State in his best season, 2021, when he really had statistically lit it up, he was working the middle of the field. He was hitting guys over that area where the 49ers offense lives, like it’s play action and it’s get right in behind those linebackers. You know that’s why Jackson Smith-Njigba, the slot receiver for Ohio State, why he put up so many numbers is because Stroud was very comfortable going to him between linebackers, between safeties hitting those type of windows. That’s just the type of quarterback he is.”

Predictions for the Texans’ first round picks varied widely with many experts torn between mocking a quarterback or defensive player to Houston at No. 2 and No. 12. A successful draft for the Texans would have to include playmakers on…