Is He Though? C.J. Stroud

That’s the question that I have about Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud.

Who is QB1 in the 2023 NFL Draft class?

It seems as though people are just guessing.

Everyone and I do mean everyone, has a different opinion of what talent is, or what they’ve been told it is.

Taking a look at Stroud

For my next victim, I have chosen quarterback Coleridge Bernard “C. J.” Stroud IV from The Ohio State University.

Of all the quarterbacks that I have seen in this class, Stroud just might be the cleanest prospect. Anyone ranking Alabama’s quarterback Bryce Young over him has another thing coming.

There’s no doubting Stroud’s physical capabilities.

He is 6’3″ 218 pounds and he has that prototypical NFL size scouts drool over.

His mechanics and footwork are decent, but he does have a slower release, which is notable. His mobility has to be noted as well. Thing is, he only uses it to escape pressure. He doesn’t run the ball whatsoever at other times. I mean, with weapons like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Cade Stover, and Marvin Harrison Jr. the last two years, would you?

Stroud has one of the best arms in this draft, and he knows how to use it.

In the game film that I reviewed, he had a few beautiful cross-body throws that were deadly accurate. There were a handful of deep passes second to none. He has the ability to change up the velocity on his throws, which is one of his greatest attributes.

Stroud does have issues with his short to midrange throws as they have a tendency to be low. His accuracy suffers when he really cranks up the velocity on his passes.

Those are just his physical traits, though.

Looking deeper into Stroud

This Ohio State quarterback has dominated top-tier competition the last two years. Going back to the games that I watched, I have gathered some issues with him, though.

If I would have made this evaluation sooner, I would have predicted Ohio State losing this season at some point. However, Michigan just beat me to it.

When things are going well in a game, Stroud is top notch.

In the fourth quarter of every game that I watched, with the exception of Michigan, the other team was still in it. Then, at the very end something broke the game open, and it made it look like a blowout.

After Michigan got ahead, Stroud did not have any sense of urgency to try and get back in the game.

Does Stroud have the “it” factor?

You hear everyone talk about that “It” factor. You know, that gift that gives a player the ability to overcome adversity, and just take things to the next level when things really matter.

As talented and gifted as Stroud is, he does not possess this trait.

This is one of the most valuable qualities in a player. It is right next to heart, when it comes down to choosing the face of your franchise.

I have already talked about franchise killers like Young in a previous writing. To spend a #1 pick on a player (like Stroud is projected to be) you have to be sure. I have my doubts when it comes down to him trying to lead a team in full rebuild mode.

Is Stroud QB1?

A true franchise caliber quarterback has the ability to hone his own weapons, and make everyone around him better.

These are all parts of the equation that have to add up.

If the season ended today the Texans would hold the first overall pick. As a student of Bill Belichick, I do not believe that Texans’ General Manager, Nick Caserio would pick Stroud to lead his team.

With that said, someone at the top of the draft will though. I believe he will be the first quarterback taken.

However, I am not sure that Stroud will be the best.

My BIG three questions…

1. Can he and will he be able to lead a team without top notch weapons?
2. Why doesn’t he run the ball?
3. Will the team that selects him be able to develop him, or will he be stuck in purgatory with a terrible team?

How Stroud stacks up and game film reviewed

Draft projection: First or Second Round

Pro comparison: Jared Goff

Game Film Evaluated:

Penn State ’21

Penn State ’22

Iowa ’22

Michigan ’22

The author, William Yanish, has been a football fan since he was knee high to a grasshopper. He played football until his body wouldn’t let him any longer at the tender young age of 17. He is an aspiring sports writer and author, who covers the NFL Draft for firstroundmock.com. Yanish attended Colorado Mesa University on the western slope of Colorado.