2023 NFL Draft Profile: QB C.J. Stroud

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Considered to be the best pocket passer in the 2023 NFL Draft, C.J. Stroud will elicit draft position movement from teams looking for a franchise quarterback. The Rancho Cucamonga, California leaves Ohio State with a 21-4 record and a 69.7 completion percentage. Additionally, Stroud’s 81:12 touchdown-to-interception ratio caught eyes, finishing in the top three in Heisman voting in consecutive seasons. Stroud left Columbus with two Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year awards, for the most valuable player in the Big Ten.

NAME

C.J. Stroud

POSITION

Quarterback

HEIGHT

6’3″

WEIGHT

218 Pounds

SCHOOL

Ohio State

Strengths

First and foremost, Stroud brings a polished setup to the table. From the snap, he glides back on even steps. From there, a wider throwing base will begin to generate velocity to make every throw. Now, looking deeper into the technique, you find a player with a crisp shoulder rotation and snap to each pass. With this in mind, the technical acumen leads to accuracy at all three levels, and arm strength for every throw on the route tree. Next, Stroud displays the consistent ability to move defenders with his eyes, allowing throwing windows to open for his receivers. Most importantly, Stroud, in the face of the Georgia defense, stood tall, took the hits, and put his team within winning distance. Leadership flows in spades for Stroud.

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Weaknesses

Although he weighs only 218 pounds, Stroud is purely just a pocket passer. He possesses enough mobility to shift and move in the pocket. However, the lack of next-level agility will help defenses pin him firmly in the pocket. As a result, plays will not be extended like Justin Fields or Lamar Jackson. In addition, Stroud will land with a team with a dearth of talent. At Ohio State, Stroud enjoyed no less than a half-dozen or so top receivers. How will he make that adjustment?

Ideal Role

An NFL team will entrust Stroud to their franchise, and handing the keys to him feels right. From mental makeup to technical acumen, Stroud fits the bill. However, like every other top quarterback pick, he will need a sound running game, a strong offensive line, and competent receivers. At the same time, Stroud’s presence of mind, mental toughness and composure under duress should and does make him a franchise quarterback. He makes the most sense for a younger coach that will tailor his offense around Stroud without reservation.

Potential Fits

The Las Vegas Raiders need a quarterback in the worst way, The team jettisoned Derek Carr, simultaneously enthralling and infuriating a fanbase. Now, Josh McDaniels needs a quarterback that fits into his plans, a passer to mold into his brand of quarterback. In all honesty, Stroud could be the difference between an extension and a pink slip for the Raiders’ head coach. While Vegas looks like a great fit, one team could throw a wrench into those plans. The streak of veteran retreads for the Indianapolis Colts must finally come to an end. Shane Steichen enters his first year with a standout back in Jonathan Taylor and an excellent offensive line. Add a quarterback and watch the RCA Dome slowly work back into relevance. In 2022, Colts’ quarterbacks averaged a rather timid 6.4 yards per attempt. NFL defenses devour that passivity.