When the Panthers traded up to the No. 1 pick in March, most expected the Texans to use the second overall pick on whichever of Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud was still on the board. With reports indicating Carolina is planning to select Young, Stroud seems like a natural fit in Houston.
Not so fast. Rumors have swirled that the Texans may pass on Stroud, and Will Levis has surpassed him as the favorite to come off the board at No. 2.
While it's tough to believe anything you hear in the days leading up to the draft, it wouldn't be the first time the Texans have gone an unusual route and bucked everyone else's expectations.
Here's what you need to know about whether Stroud will slip on draft night and where he could land if the Texans let him fall.
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Will C.J. Stroud fall in the NFL Draft?
It's nearly impossible to know what's true and what's not just before the draft. What we do know is that the Texans often take the road less traveled and make outside-the-box decisions.
Odds have shifted in favor of Levis, Will Anderson Jr., and Tyree Wilson for the Texans' second overall pick, indicating the skepticism that the pick will be used on Stroud is real.
Stroud has the same agent as Deshaun Watson, which could be an issue for the Texans after the way the year-long Watson saga was handled, and Stroud's poor score on the S2 cognitive test ahead of the draft could also concern teams.
If Houston selects Levis or a defensive player, the franchise will be tied to Stroud forever. Fans won't et the Texans forget about passing on Stroud if he turns into a legitimate franchise quarterback.
Fortunately for Stroud, there are still plenty of possibilities for him if he dips below the No. 2 pick.
MORE: How Texans passing on C.J. Stroud for Will Anderson changes the draft
C.J. Stroud landing spots
Even if the Texans pass on Stroud, there are still a few teams that could prevent him from falling much further.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have shown interest in all of the top quarterback prospects, and Jim Irsay recently indicated in a tweet that taking a quarterback with the fourth overall pick is on the table. That should surprise no one, considering Gardner Minshew is the closest thing Indianapolis has to a starter right now.
Would the Colts go all in on Stroud if he fell to No. 4? He seems more pro-ready than Anthony Richardson and would get to work with a quarterback guru in new head coach Shane Steichen.
If Indianapolis fell in love with Stroud, one scenario could see GM Chris Ballard trading up one slot with the Cardinals to block other teams and take his man.
Tennessee Titans
The Colts' interest in quarterbacks may be one reason the Titans consider trading up to draft Stroud.
Tennessee was reportedly in the mix for the No. 1 pick before it went to Carolina and is in the market for a franchise quarterback as Ryan Tannehill ages. If the Titans truly believe Stroud, who played at Mike Vrabel's alma mater, can be the face of their franchise, the price it would take to jump the Colts or even just jump the Raiders would be worthwhile.
It's tough to gauge just how aggressive the Titans might be, since this will be GM Ran Carthon's draft.
MORE: Biggest bust candidates in the 2023 NFL Draft
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have made it clear Geno Smith's new contract won't necessarily prevent them from drafting a quarterback.
Most have assumed Richardson could be the guy for Seattle, but that might just be the result of expectations Stroud wouldn't be available. If Stroud falls, a new scenario might be in play.
The Seahawks have met with all of the top quarterback prospects as they look for a potential long-term successor to Smith. If they see Stroud as the best player on the board when they're on the clock, Seattle could pounce and try to stash him under Smith for at least a year.
It may not be the scenario Stroud wants, considering other teams could give him the opportunity to start right away, but there is no doubt the Seahawks are doing their homework on quarterbacks in this spot.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have spent time with both Young and Stroud leading up to the draft. Barring a huge surprise, Young won't be an option for Las Vegas, but Stroud could be in play if he gets past both the Texans and Colts.
If Stroud is on the board, one would have to think his slide ends at No. 7. Las Vegas is in desperate need of a long-term solution at quarterback, and the Ohio State product is more of a complete package than most signal-callers who fall that far on draft night.
Jimmy Garoppolo is in place as the Raiders' quarterback for now, but Las Vegas passing on Stroud in this scenario and waiting until 2024 would be a surprise.
