2023 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: CJ Stroud
- Position: Quarterback
- School: Ohio State
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 214lbs
Film Watched: Michigan 2022, Georgia 2022, Iowa 2022
Pro's:
- Laser-like precision on passes of all depths
- Elite mental processing. Works through his progressions efficiently
- Trusts his eyes and doesn’t hesitate when making a decision
- Throws with anticipation
- Tidy, quick release
- Ball placement is ‘receiver friendly’
- Has the arm to attack the deep field
- Strong focus on footwork and mechanics when letting rip
- Showed he can punish defenses with his legs in playoff game against Georgia
Con's:
- Uncomfortable waiting for slow-developing plays – wants the ball gone
- Can be a little reckless with throws in the middle of the field
- Unwilling to break contain & run – playoff game was an outlier
- Are his impressive stats inflated by an elite supporting cast at Ohio State?
The Verdict:
“The stigma surrounding Ohio State quarterbacks in the NFL notwithstanding, there is very little to dislike about CJ Stroud. Possibly the best touch passer in this draft, Stroud’s ball placement allows his receivers to maximise their yardage after the catch. He’s also willing to challenge defenses vertically too, fully committing to every throw he makes. Stroud answered some questions about his willingness to run the ball with an electric performance against UGA in the playoffs last season, and displaying that extra dimension to his game should have cemented himself as a top ten draft pick. Life in the pro’s won’t be as easy as it was in Columbus, but Stroud has the potential to break the Buckeye curse.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: JUSTIN HERBERT
PREDICTION: TOP FIVE PICK
5/5