10 Games Prove C.J. Stroud Will be a Superstar in the NFL

Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud is consistent and he is efficient.

These are two benchmark characteristics an NFL quarterback (QB) needs for success, and they are two of the characteristics that stand out most in this Buckeyes’ field general.

Every time I have sat down to study Stroud, I have come away with many of the same impressions.

In my past articles, I also walked away giving Stroud two of the highest compliments possible:

Former NFL Scout Calls C.J. Stroud “Generational Talent”

C.J. Stroud Reminds Former NFL Scout of Warren Moon

The significance of the Warren Moon Comp

Sometimes when I am watching game film, a name of a past NFL player will just pop into my mind out of nowhere.

“Warren Moon” (2006 NFL Hall of Fame QB Inductee) went through my mind, while watching Stroud and I wrote it down in my notes.

Then a couple days ago, this Tweet was brought to my attention by someone who had seen my comparison.

Stroud already looks like a veteran NFL QB

There is a real air of maturity with Stroud.

It stands out with how he runs the offense, operates in the pocket, and how he dictates the game flow to a defense.

Stroud looks smooth and poised in the pocket.

Starring down the barrel of a pass rush is second nature for this Ohio State passing technician.

He also reads safeties like a book, and recognizes where to go with the ball.

“As soon as he sees the safety blitz, he knows he has one-on-one coverage on the outsides,” the television announcer said during the Michigan game (2022).

Against Notre Dame, the announcer made another comment how Stroud read the safeties blitzing and how that opened things up on a touchdown pass.

I’ve noticed in previous film study, how he looks off and holds safeties with his eyes.

Stroud’s ability to read, manipulate and understand what the safeties are doing is going to spell success in the NFL.

On the money

Stroud’s downfield ball placement is on point.

This is one of the key predictors of success in the NFL.

Stroud puts receivers in position to pick up yardage after the catch. He also tends to put the passes where only the receivers have a chance to catch them.

This is key and an NFL coaching staff will love this about Stroud – – he protects the ball and keeps it out of harms way when throwing.

Stroud’s passes are calculated.

Mild concern

With a QB who’s gone 21-4 the past two seasons, there is always concern on how he will fare going to a top-10 team in the NFL Draft.

How will he do if he finds himself down on the scoreboard?

Stroud didn’t look as efficient against Michigan or Notre Dame in 2022 when his team was behind, but then against Georgia in the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl when Ohio State was down 42-41 at the end of the game, he managed to get his team into field goal range (and the kicker missed).

That last game put my mind at ease, that he can produce in this type of game situation.

#7 C.J. Stroud 6-foot-3, 218 pounds

Daniel Kelly’s Final 2023 NFL Draft Grade: First-Round (I would select him)

Projected by 99.4% (up from 99.0% on January 19) of the NFL Draft Community to be a first-round pick as of March 28, 2022 (nflmockdraftdatabase.com)

First Round Mock Big Board: Top-3

Level of competition: High

Previous 6 games evaluated: (2021) Oregon, Michigan State, and Penn State (2022) Wisconsin, Penn State and Iowa

Additional 2022 game film used for this evaluation: Michigan, Notre Dame, Maryland, and Georgia

2021 stats: 317/441 (71.9%) 4,435 yards (avg. 10.1), 44 TD/6 INT, 13 sacks

2022 stats: 258/389 (66.3%) 3,688 yards (avg. 9.5), 41 TD/6 INT, 12 sacks

2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Polished accurate pocket passer with good athletic ability, an NFL arm and a high football IQ. Displays excellent mechanics and ball handling skills. Has full command of the pocket. Inconsistent going through his progressions and release times. Can elude pass rush and extend plays. Can throw from the right hash back across the field accurately. Excels at slants, shallow and intermediate crossing routes and comeback routes. Good ball placement short, intermediate and deep. Manages the short to intermediate game really well. Can put heat or touch on passes. Tough runner who doesn’t run much.

Final words

Stroud shows all the tools needed to quickly turn a team around.

Daniel Kelly is a former NFL Scout with the New York Jets. He was hired on the regime which featured Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick, Scott Pioli, Mike Tannenbaum, and Dick Haley. He currently writes for Sports Illustrated New York Jets and he is the Editor-in-Chief for First Round Mock. For more information about him visit his website at whateverittakesbook.com. He can be followed on Twitter @firstroundmock.