NFL executive believes Texans QB C.J. Stroud would've failed with Panthers

The anonymous executive told The Athletic's Jeff Howe that Stroud could've struggled if the Carolina Panthers took him with the No. 1 overall pick instead of Bryce Young.

"Houston has a better situation," he said. "If you drop Stroud in Carolina, would he have the same success? No way in hell."

Carolina isn't tailor-made for a rookie QB. It dealt D.J. Moore, its best wide receiver, to the Chicago Bears to acquire the top pick. The coaching staff reportedly bickered over the offensive game plan throughout the season, and the Panthers fired head coach Frank Reich after Week 12.

Houston, meanwhile, hired an excellent first-year HC in DeMeco Ryans, and Texans WR Nico Collins finished eighth in the league in receiving yards (1,297 in 15 games).  

In hindsight, it's hard to argue Young — who posted a below-average 33.4 QBR in 16 starts — was a better prospect than Stroud. In a wild-card round victory against the Cleveland Browns, he completed 16-of-21 passes for 274 yards and three TDs, becoming the eighth rookie QB in the Super Bowl era to win a playoff start.

"I think [the Panthers] took the wrong guy," another exec. said. "(Young) is very small. (There was) no talent around him, but in the end, Stroud was the better prospect."

The Texans made the right choice. The former Ohio State Buckeye will probably win Offensive Rookie of the Year. Even if they fall to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday in the divisional round, Stroud and company have a bright future.