Former Houston Texans wide receiver compares 2024 roster to 2011 roster

CJ Stroud’s talent and potential were evident during his time at Ohio State, leading the Houston Texans to select him as the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. It was even evident for former third-round pick and Texans wide receiver Jacoby Jones, who played more than a decade in the NFL.

Of course, a seasoned receiver will be able to spot such talent. Jones spoke with USA Today’s Texans Wire about the current state of the franchise and Stroud’s talent.

“He was a freak of nature,” Jones told Texans Wire of Stroud. “Bad smart player. He’s full of wit. When I say witty, I’m talking about the part of the definition where you’re not only smart, but you’re quick. He doesn’t play like a young child. He plays like a mature veteran who has been there before.

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In his first NFL season, Stroud helped the Texans go from a three-win franchise to a ten-win team. He made the playoffs and even won a playoff game. Of course, Stroud wasn’t the only factor, but the star second-year quarterback has proven to be elite and has tremendous potential in the league.

The Texans went out in the offseason and added Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon and Danielle Hunter – three-year players who can act as mentors and add winning value to the franchise. For this reason, strong expectations and predictions are placed on the team.

Jones’ praise for Stroud has been strong, and that extends to Diggs, Nico Collins and Tank Dell, three elite receivers for the quarterback to target. For Jones, this is the key to the Texans advancing to the second round and beyond the playoffs.

“When you have receivers where you can’t double cover anyone, just like we had when I was with the Texans…that’s the dynamic of the game,” Jones said. “No matter where the ball goes, something is going to happen.”

Jones played five seasons in Houston, receiving passes from Matt Schaub. He played alongside strong talent in the Texans’ early days as an NFL franchise, drawing comparisons to his 2011 team that reached the playoffs.

“You had Andre on one side, Kevin Walter on the other or in the slot. I would get in the slot sometimes, and we had Owen Daniels,” Jones said. “Plus, we had Arian Foster out of the backfield. That’s when we made the playoffs. »

The Texans’ plethora of offensive talent makes him a tough cover, given his versatility and options on the ground. Jones acknowledges that it goes back to his era and what helped propel his team to the playoffs.

“When you have that around you, people can’t be one-dimensional,” Jones continued. “They can’t just say, ‘We’re going to lock down this side.’ ‘You can’t do it. That’s when you become great.

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