8 CJ Stroud 2023 NFL Draft Profile

CJ Stroud: Quarterback, Ohio State Buckeyes: NFL Draft Scouting Profile and Projected Draft PositionCJ Stroud Ohio State Stats:

CJ Stroud attended Rancho Cucamonga High School in California.  He was rated a 4-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 4-star grade by 247 Sports. After high school, Stroud was heavily recruited but ultimately chose to join Ohio State.

CJ Stroud Scouting Report:

Per NFL Draft Buzz, Stroud has the following strengths and weaknesses:

Strengths:

• Very smart signal-caller who is a natural leader with great instincts and the ability to quickly cycle through his reads
• Good zip and elite ball placement on the quick slant. Good touch down the seam and on post-corner, flag routes to attack the defense vertically and horizontally.
• Incredibly productive quarterback with elite intangibles – who broke Rose Bowl single-game record with 573 passing yards in a come-from-behind victory over Utah
• Looks like a traditional quarterback with good tangibles at 6-3 and 218 pounds
• Enough arm strength to drive the ball through tight windows up to 20 yards downfield. Spreads the ball around to multiple receivers.
• Gets the ball out quickly, making · split-second decisions. Good short to intermediate-level accuracy, demonstrating the ball placement to allow receivers to run after the catch.
• Sprays the ball anywhere on the field, especially when given a pocket from which to deliver. Will step up into the pocket while looking downfield, reset his feet and deliver.
• Athletic – Stroud is a threat to leave the pocket and gain positive yardage although does not look to run – had to escape the pocket only 48 times in 2021. Possesses very good vision balance, elusiveness, and deceptive speed and can be elusive when looking to escape.
• Possess an NFL-level arm. Gets the ball from one hash to the opposite sideline in a hurry. Has the zip to hit tight windows on short and intermediate throws.
• Great accuracy overall, including excellent accuracy on short timing routes to backs and receivers, placing the ball slightly in front to lead receivers to potential yardage after the catch.

Weaknesses:

• Had a few struggles earlier on in the season – however, this is to be expected at the start of any QBs college career
• Suffered with some inconsistency issues although it’s difficult to see any major issues in his game
• Had elite talent around him during the 2021 campaign – will face a bigger test in 2022 without being able to throw to superstar wideouts

CJ Stroud In Mock Drafts:

CJ Stroud has proven himself to be one of the best quarterbacks in this year’s draft class.  He will likely be highly sought after in the first round.  Some have Stroud being selected with the very first overall pick, however, here are multiple draft projections:

• NFL Mock Draft Database: #4 Overall to the Detroit Lions
• Sports Illustrated: #5 Overall to the Indianapolis Colts
• NFL Spin Zone: #1 Overall to the Houston Texans
• The Athletic: #8 Overall to the Carolina Panthers
• Fantasy Six Pack: #9 Overall to the Las Vegas Raiders
• Yardbarker: #6 Overall to the Atlanta Falcons

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