After redshirting his first year, C.J Stroud saw action in twelve games for Ohio State in his sophomore year. He amassed 4424 yards with a completion percentage of 71.6 and a 44 to 4 touchdown to interception ratio. Stroud continued his success in 2022, finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting and leading the Buckeyes to the CFB playoffs, where he put on a legendary performance against Georgia. After the Carolina Panthers traded up to #1, many reports have indicated that Stroud is Carolina’s guy.
Photo Cred: USA Today
In a quarterback class that consists of an undersized Bryce Young and talented but largely unproven Anthony Richardson and Will Levis; Stroud has emerged as the quarterback with the highest floor. At 6’3” and 218 pounds, Stroud is a prototypical pocket passer with smarts and feel for the game. Stroud is a rhythm passer who gets the ball out quickly, making split-second decisions. He has good zip and ball placement; and has demonstrated elite touch down the seam and good placement on post-corner and flag routes. Stroud is undoubtedly the best pocket passer in this draft; his accuracy is on par with most starting quarterbacks in the NFL. The Ohio State product also possesses impressive athleticism, as seen in the game against Georgia, where he made numerous big plays with his feet to keep the Buckeyes in the game.
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Despite his speed and agility, Stroud has often proved surprisingly immobile and unable to escape a heavy rush. Stroud has a subpar QB rating of 76.0 when under pressure. He can make plays outside of the pocket but is inconsistent. The QB put some of these doubts to bed after a fantastic CFP semifinal, where he displayed a new hidden elusiveness. Stroud has also played in a very QB-friendly scheme and was surrounded by NFL-level talent. Last year, he threw to Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxson Smith-Njigba. All of whom are or will be first-round picks.
Photo Cred: USA Today
Stroud benefited from an elite offensive line, which has allowed him to throw from a clean pocket. He remains largely untested against serious adversity and has struggled when he does. These concerns could scare many front offices. His pure passing ability is exceptional and is what most teams will focus on. It potentially will not matter what most teams think because the Carolina Panthers will likely take Stroud #1. Frank Reich has had success in the past with tall pocket passers. It makes Stroud the perfect fit for an already talented Panthers squad.
