C.J. Stroud, second pick of the 2023 draft, can become as good as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. Or even better. At least that’s what Noah Brown, ex-Dallas receiver now with the Houston Texans, believes.

The hype around C.J. Stroud was great, for a long time he was considered the favourite for the first pick in the 2023 draft. In the end, his buddy Bryce Young was selected ahead of him, Stroud went second to the Houston Texans.

There, head coach DeMeco Ryans recently called an open competition for the role of starter. Still, it would be surprising if Davis Mills or Case Keenum were to lead the offense down the field when the season begins in mid-September.

Houston Texans: Noah Brown compares C.J. Stroud to Dak Prescott

As Stroud obviously leaves a positive impression on teammates. Noah Brown, who spent the past six years with the Dallas Cowboys and signed with the Texans a few months ago, told Sports Illustrated he was taken with his new passer and compared him to one of the best playmakers in recent years, Dak Prescott.

“They’re both great quarterbacks – with great arm talent. […] I think he has the potential to live up to that, maybe even surpass it. So I’m rooting for C.J. and I’m ready to have his back on anything,” Brown is quoted as saying.

Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud has “internalized offense quickly “

For the franchise that has been rather unsuccessful in the past, this would be a real godsend. Prescott has been in the league since 2016, leading his Cowboys to the playoffs four times and being selected to the Pro Bowl twice.

“I know C.J. has great arm talent. In the short time I’ve worked with him here, he has quickly internalized the offense and taken charge of his reps. I think that can only lead to positive things,” continues Brown, who had his most productive season in 2022 with 43 catches for 555 yards and three touchdowns.

The general public should get a first impression of Stroud’s qualities in the preseason games, which start on 11 August against the New England Patriots. Less than a month later, the Texans start the 2023 season at the Baltimore Ravens.