Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is set to have quite a test right out of the gate in his NFL career. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft will be under center for the Texans’ upcoming Week 1 road matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith faced multiple rookie quarterbacks last season, including Pittsburgh Steelers passer Kenny Pickett. Unlike many other linebackers across the NFL, Smith does not switch up his approach when squaring off with a rookie passer.

"Honestly, [I approach it] just like any other quarterback in the NFL," Smith said during a press conference ahead of Week 1. "… But when he comes out there, I'm going to treat him like any other quarterback.

"[I'm] going to prepare like [I would for] any other quarterback, so we'll be ready. … So, I'm just excited to get out there [on] opening day, and I would love to put our talents out there and show them exactly what we can do, and it will be his 'Welcome to the League.'"

Smith sees that there is much that a defense can do to be quite unpredictable for a rookie quarterback. The one-time Pro Bowler hopes to make life as difficult as possible for Stroud in Week 1.

"A young quarterback, obviously, hasn't seen as much as a veteran quarterback," Smith said. "So, obviously changing the picture [or] making them see things post-snap is definitely going to create a hassle for most quarterbacks anyway, and a rookie is going to be … Coming to the NFL, it's a little different speed than college, so I think it will be great.

"We're looking forward to the opportunity, and I think it's going to be great for our defense."

Overall, the Ravens finished with a 2-1 record against rookie passers last season.

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Plenty of anticipation for the group.

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