Breaking: Texans set to sign 20-year old WR
Where could the Houston Texans turn to when on the clock in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft? According to one mock draft, all sights are set on pass-catcher. In the latest draft from The 33rd Team, the Texans bolster their passing attack by selecting Oregon standout Troy Franklin.
Franklin is expected to be a late Day 1 or early Day 2 selection based on recent mock drafts. In their first season, C.J. Stroud and Tank Dell took the league by storm.
Dell is recovering from injury so adding to the receiver room is a must for the Houston Texans with this loaded wide receiver class. Troy Franklin was one of the most productive receivers in the country in 2023 and would slide into the Texans’ offense nicely next to a healthy Dell and Nico Collins. – The 33rd Team
Franklin was a stalwart in Eugene over the past two seasons under Dan Lanning, helping the Ducks post a 22-5 record during that span. Last season as Bo Nix’s No. 1 option, the 6-3 junior totaled 81 catches for nearly 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Franklin led the Pac-12 in touchdowns, second in yards per reception (17.4), third in receiving yards, and fifth in receptions.
He was named a first-team All-Pac-12 member in 2023 and garnered second-team recognition in 2022. While Stroud became the fifth rookie quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards in his first year, production dipped entering December. Dell, the Texans third-round pick, suffered a broken leg in Week 13’s win over the Denver Broncos.
In the final five games, no receiver totaled over 100 yards besides Nico Collins. Injuries to Noah Brown and Robert Woods also added pressure for young talents like John Metchie III and Xavier Hutchinson to step up.
Brown is a free agent and Woods could be considered a cap casualty depending on the contract. Collins, who became the third Texans receiver with over 1,200 yards in a season, is entering a contract year. Dalton Schultz, Houston’s top tight end, is also a free agent after inking a one-year deyal in the offseason.
CJ Stroud ‘Wasn’t Surprised Much’ About Rookie Success
Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud delivered one of the most remarkable rookie campaigns in NFL history, but despite his humble nature, it wasn’t a shock to him. “No, it wasn’t,” Stroud told NFL.com on Saturday. “I have confidence in myself. I wasn’t surprised much.” Stroud spearheaded a remarkable transformation for the Texans, guiding them to clinch the AFC South title and triumph over the Cleveland Browns in the playoff’s opening round. This achievement marked a significant turnaround following three consecutive seasons with single-digit wins for the franchise.
Throughout the regular season, Stroud emerged as the NFL’s passing yards leader, averaging an impressive 273.9 yards per game. He secured a distinctive accolade as the first rookie since Dak Prescott in 2016 to capture a division title with a minimum of 10 starts. Stroud’s season statistics were nothing short of stellar, amassing 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and a mere five interceptions, boasting a league-best 1.0 interception percentage.
His passing yardage ranks as the third-highest by a rookie in NFL history. Adding to the historical significance, the 22-year-old Stroud became the youngest player to lead the league in the touchdown touchdown-to-interception ratio, registering an impressive 22 to 5 mark. Related: C.J. Stroud Among Six Finalists for Rookie of the Year A crucial element in Stroud’s success was the instant chemistry he developed with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Despite significant interest in Slowik during the head coaching cycle, his decision to return to Houston looks promising for success in the 2024 season. It indicates a promising continuity in their partnership, setting the stage for continued success and growth for the young quarterback in the upcoming seasons. Following his dynamic debut, Stroud and the Texans’ expectations are elevated for the 2024 season. The second-year signal-caller is optimistic about the future in Houston.
