HOUSTON -- In the early days of the Texans' sweltering training camp, C.J. Stroud lined up in the shotgun before scanning the defense. After the ball was snapped, he sold the handoff to running back David Montgomery, tucked it and took off through an opening in the defense. Stroud quickly accelerated into the second level, picking up a first down before cornerback Kamari Lassiter caught up to him. Stroud certainly isn't known as a running quarterback -- he's totaled 609 rushing yards in his career -- but that doesn't mean he's incapable of scrambling when he needs to.

Stroud became leaner by cutting sugar from his diet. He added muscle and improved his speed to be more of a dual-threat quarterback. But his lean look isn't the only thing that's caught attention this offseason. He also cut his signature dreadlocks. "People thought I was depressed or that I wasn't doing OK," Stroud said. "But I've been thinking about cutting my hair for a long time."

The 2023 No. 2 pick wasted no time working on himself following a disappointing playoff run that ended in January with seven turnovers in two playoff games. General manager Nick Caserio said, "It's probably the best offseason he's had since he's been here." Coach De Meco Ryans has noted improvement in his quarterback's pocket movement as well.

Ryans called Stroud's ability to be accurate from the pocket and using his legs as "unique." It's what Texans quarterback coach Jerry Schuplinski calls a "coach's dream." Stroud wanted to improve his strength to help him absorb hits after suffering a concussion last season.