Texans QB C.J. Stroud advocates for former teammate ahead of NFL Draft

Quarterback C.J. Stroud knows it's very unlikely that the Texans will be able to land any of the 2024 NFL Draft's top prospects as they aren't scheduled to make their first selection until pick No. 42 in the second round.

With that in mind, Stroud gave some advice to the teams that are picking at the top of the draft on April 25.

"Whoever's up there man, be smart. Don't be dumb. Don't think too hard," Stroud said per Pro Football Talks' Mike Florio. 

Stroud is referring to those who could potentially pass on wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., whom he played with for two seasons at Ohio State. In their final season together (2022), they connected on 77 passes for 1,263 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Harrison Jr. is viewed, by most, as the No. 1 wide receiver in the draft class, but some are arguing LSU's Malik Nabers and Washington's Rome Odunze against him. Stroud thinks those people are overthinking it.

"Put on the tape. He's done it from really his freshman year, his true freshman year, to now," Stroud added. "You want longevity, you want somebody who has been doing it. For him, that's what he sleeps, eats and breathes. He's a worthy talent."

The concern for Harrison Jr. at the next level is whether he can create real separation against NFL-caliber cornerbacks. Stroud believes that will come naturally when he's competing against the best of the best.

Either way, it's difficult to imagine Harrison Jr. falling outside the top 5. Several quarterback-needy teams could try to trade up, but it would be difficult for those that already have a QB, like the Cardinals (No. 4) and Chargers (No. 5), to pass up on a potentially generational talent like Harrison Jr.

Stroud just hopes he can play with his former Buckeyes teammate again one day.

"For me, I think I would love to play with him again," Stroud finished. "I probably won't get that opportunity for a while, but I'm super proud of him."