CJ Stroud Scouting Report: Is Ohio State University QB a first-round pick?

Yes, CJ Stroud is a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. The Ohio State University team captain is one of the better quarterback prospects in quite some time. Stroud served as the undisputed QB1 on one of America's finest college football programmes and is heading into the NFL draft after two Heisman Trophy finalist seasons.

Here, we will showcase Stroud's scouting report, strengths and weaknesses, and why he could make an instant impact in the NFL. So without further ado, let's examine the stellar prospect in a stacked QB draft class.

CJ Stroud's Scouting Report ahead of 2023 NFL draft

CJ Stroud attended Rancho Cucamonga High School, where he built a reputation first in California and then the USA. He was seen as generational talent from his high school days, and many stellar Division One colleges made him offers. He eventually chose to affect a scholarship from Ohio State University; the rest is history.

Stroud's first season with the Ohio State Buckeyes was spent as a non-playing backup to future NFL draft first-round pick Justin Fields, and it served as a learning year for Stroud.

Following Fields' departure, Stroud took over the reins in Ohio, and he never looked back. The California native put up gaudy numbers of 4,435 passing yards, 44 touchdowns, and six interceptions in his first season with the Buckeyes.

He was named a Heisman Trophy finalist for his exploits, putting himself on the map. His second season as a starter was just as impressive, as the ever-maturing Stroud put up a stat line of 3,688 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, and six interceptions for the season.

He was once again named a Heisman Trophy finalist. He declared for the 2023 NFL draft after the 2022 college football season.

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What are CJ Stroud's Strengths and Weaknesses?

CJ Stroud is one of the more polished QBs in this year's draft class, and here are some of his strong points and not-so-glistening attributes.

Strengths

#1 Anticipation

The soon-to-be Ohio State University alum's best positional trait is his anticipation on throws.

The Buckeye quarterback regularly threw his receivers open by releasing the ball before they even came out of the route. This is a trait you either have or you don't, and Stroud has it in spades. This attribute will be on full display at the NFL Combine and most likely in the 2023 NFL season for a lucky franchise.

#2 Accuracy

CJ Stroud has a lot of things in common with an Olympic-level archer, and one of them is his dead shot caliber accuracy.

Stroud is a precision passer capable of fitting tight windows. On short-to-intermediate routes, Stroud puts the ball on his receiver's hip as they come out of the break, giving his players a chance to create after the catch.

His timing and touch on the deep ball are impeccable. This timing could prove very handy considering the jump-up in competition he will experience.

#3 Leadership

Every NFL team loves a great leader at center, and Stroud would assure any team of his ability to lead a franchise.

He served as the Ohio State University captain and QB1 for two seasons and managed numerous egos there. Not every day do we see born leaders, and yes, we are looking at you, Kyler Murray.

Weaknesses

#1 Improvisation

Stroud could do with a crash course on improvisation ahead of the 2023 NFL Combine, as it has never been the California native's strong suit.

He's still a work in progress in this area. Some say you can't teach improvisation as a QB, but I disagree. CJ Stroud is an impeccable hard worker; he should be able to improve his improvisational skills if he puts his mind to it.

#2 Footwork under Pressure

Stroud is more attuned to tossing the rock when he has a clean pocket to work with. However, he's susceptible to getting 'happy' feet when he's out under pressure.

Rather than resetting and forming a solid base, Stroud continues falling back and can be found throwing off of his back foot too often. He will need to leave this habit behind in the NCAA tournament.

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Our 2023 NFL draft Projection for CJ Stroud

The Ohio State University alum will likely be a top-two quarterback pick in this year's draft. He will also likely be a top-five pick. We project that CJ Stroud could be picked fourth overall by the Indianapolis Colts.