CJ Stroud is setting some goals for his rookie NFL season after landing with the Houston Texans as the No. 2 overall pick in the draft Thursday night.

On Friday, the team officially introduced Stroud and the No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson Jr. at a press conference. Stroud was specifically asked about his goals as a rookie while dealing with expectations as the 2nd pick in the draft.

While there’s no denying Stroud wants to play, he says he focused on finding ways to be a leader from the get-go:

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“Honestly, first and foremost I just want to be — if it comes naturally — is to be a leader on the team,” said Stroud . “I think that’s the biggest thing for playing QB is not only to be vocal but lead by example. That’s something I think I bring to the table very well because of Ohio State where the QB is really — other than LeBron — like you’re right under LeBron in the leader of the whole state.”

As for the depth chart with the Texans, Stroud knows playing time is something he’s going to have to earn as a rookie, but he is not daunted by that fact. Stroud is used to working for his opportunities, and that’s something that helps make him a great player.

“I honestly don’t have a limit on how good I can play. I don’t know what’s gonna happen, I know nothing’s gonna be given to me, everything’s gonna be earned and that’s just how I like it,” Stroud explained. “That’s how it’s been my whole life. That’s how it’s going to continue to be, and that’s what’s going to make me a great player.”

Rookie outlook for CJ Stroud

At this point, it’s too early to try and decipher if Stroud will open Week 1 as the starter for Houston. There are undoubtedly expectations that come as a high draft pick, but the organization will likely want to give Stroud the best chance to succeed, whenever that is.

Nevertheless, Stroud has the skills and size that should translate into playing time early in his NFL career. Even if he does not start the year as the starter, look for Stroud to take the reins before the 2023 season is up as the Texans’ QB of the future.