C.J. Stroud Scouting Report
March 8, 2023
Hunter Macias
Scouting Report on C.J Stroud (post combine)
NFL Draft
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C.J. Stroud Scouting Report
As the NFL Draft approaches, football fans everywhere are eager to learn more about the prospects who could become the next generation of stars in the league. One player who has been generating a lot of buzz is Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, who is widely considered to be one of the top QBs in the 2023 class. In this scouting report, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Stroud such an intriguing prospect, and what concerns scouts might have about his game.
What I like about C.J Stroud:
Let’s start with the positives. Stroud has enjoyed an impressive college career, with two seasons as Ohio State’s starting QB under his belt. He was named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year twice and even made history by becoming the first player in program history to be a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist. He’s also the first quarterback in the history of the Big Ten to have back-to-back seasons with 30 or more touchdown passes, with 44 in 2022 and 41 in 2021. That’s a pretty impressive resume.
So, what makes Stroud such a promising prospect? For starters, he’s got the size, arm strength, and mobility that NFL teams are looking for in a quarterback. He’s able to read coverage well, identify leverage, and give his receivers opportunities to make plays on the ball. He’s not afraid to test man coverage and can make accurate throws downfield. Stroud is also an excellent anticipatory thrower, able to blend aggressive throws with taking profits when necessary. He takes care of the football and rarely puts it in harm’s way. He’s able to move around in the pocket and has a good feel for the rush.
One thing that stands out about Stroud is his command of the Ohio State offense. He’s involved in setting protections, locking routes, and calling audibles at the line of scrimmage. He’s got a variety of tools in his arsenal and knows when to use them. He also showed up big in some of the team’s biggest games, including an elite showing in the 2021 Rose Bowl against Utah and an exceptional performance in the College Football Playoff against Georgia.
What I don't like about C.J. Stroud:
Of course, there are always areas for improvement, and Stroud is no exception. He can be a little hesitant to use his legs, which could limit his potential success. He also struggles at times when pressure is on him, and his play can become erratic. He can be a bit slow to make decisions, and he sometimes struggles with his footwork, leading to inaccurate throws. He can also be prone to interceptions if he becomes too fixated on his primary receiver. Despite these concerns, Stroud is still considered to be a first-round value prospect by most scouts. He’s got the size, arm talent, and mobility to succeed at the next level, and his game is still evolving. With the right coaching and infrastructure, he could unlock even more potential and become a star in the NFL.
Player Profile:
- Height: 6'3
- Weight: 214 lbs
- Arm Length: 32 5/8”
- Hand Size: 10”
- 40-yard Dash: 4.43s
- Vertical Jump: 40.5”
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, C.J. Stroud is a talented quarterback prospect with the potential to be a starting QB in the NFL. He’s got the size, arm strength, and mobility that teams are looking for, as well as a good understanding of the game. While there are some areas where he could improve, he’s still one of the top QBs in the 2023 class and a player to keep an eye on come draft day.