Well, we are into that part of the sports content calendar year, NFL in particular, kids, where it's sort of "no man's land" until the start of training camp in a month or so. It's the part of the NFL calendar where it's a sea of power rankings, lists, and smoking hot takes. For me, it's nirvana. I love me some power rankings, and love them even more now that the Texans are viewed through such a positive lens by football experts.
That said, one of the more prominent power rankings each offseason has become the Top 40 Quarterbacks Countdown from Chris Simms, former Longhorn quarterback, former NFL quarterback, son of Phil Simms, and current NBC football analyst and talk show host. That his list is viewed as relevant is a big testament to just how deep his hot takes cut through.
Without further ado, let's see where C.J. Stroud, who was 37th on Simms' list last season, obviously one of Simms' bigger misses, lands in 2024:
Okay, a few thoughts, starting with Stroud:
Stroud is seventh on the list, and I only have a problem with one of the names above his
This is right about where most of the experts rank Stroud heading into this season, somewhere sixth and tenth overall. As for the six in front of him here, Mahomes is a no brainer. He's the best player on the planet. I can live with Allen, Burrow, and Jackson, the reigning MVP, ahead of Stroud. Stroud himself is a card carrying Matthew Stafford lover. The only one I take issue with is Herbert, who has never won anything significant in his four seasons in the league.
