CJ Stroud – Quarterback – 21 – Sophomore – Ohio State
Height: 1m93
Weight: 100kg
Estimated Draft Position: Top 5
2021 stats: 258 / 389, 3,688 yards, 41 touchdowns and 6 interceptions, 108 rushing yards
NFL Comparison: Jared Goff
Strong points
– Size and good arm
– Accuracy and placement
– Room for improvement
The expectation is often excessive when you are the starting quarterback of Ohio State. This is even more true since the arrival of Ryan Day on the side of Columbus. First coordinator then head coach, the offensive spirit of the Buckeyes framed Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields in quick succession to make them first round picks, and everything suggests that this will also be the case for CJ Stroud. Flagship recruit out of high school, the Californian by birth wasted no time getting into the swing of things. In 2021, he is a young first-year player (football) when he is appointed as the head of the local attack. And if many like to nitpick on these first outings, the guy is amazed. By his maturity. by his decision-making. By its sense of placement. Beyond his size, which is sure to please observers, Stroud stands out thanks to his ability to place the ball where it is needed and when it is needed, to the delight of his XXL targets, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave or Jaxon Smith. -Njigba, eligible for the draft this season. In just two years, the No. 7 is getting in tune with his offensive squad, averaging at least 44 points since 2021, making the Buckeyes the best offense in this area last year and the second best this season. To symbolize a little more its notable progress, Stroud offered a real recital in the semi-finals of the playoffs by undermining the very famous defense of Georgia and by being very close to pinning Bulldogs finally university champions in stride, thanks to a mobility hitherto unsuspected or too little exploited.
Weak points
– Lack of mobility
– Perfectible reading
Because that is the concern about Stroud. Where is its ceiling and is it really capable of building on other strengths in the long term? Blessed with certain athletic qualities that have become increasingly desirable in the NFL, the Buckeye has too often looked static and hasn’t always looked comfortable when it comes to saving time in the pocket, and that could be of crucial importance. in the pros, given the incredible level of his bodyguards at the university. In addition to his not sufficiently exploited legs, his second reading is a somewhat frightening element, with an annoying tendency to rush and force at the level of the arm. This was particularly talked about during the double confrontations against Michigan. Because if Ohio State has not gone far from a university final this season, the Big Ten resident has also left the crown of conference champion to his historic rival during Stroud’s two seasons at the head of the team. Is the latter still able to respond to the pressure of a big game? The question still arises, for some…
Possible destinations
Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers
A cannon arm. Excellent sense of placement. Growing leadership. CJ Stroud is a player who pleases, in the modern era, and whose demonstration against Georgia, with a larger panel, made many scouts salivate. As when he arrived at university, nothing says that his first NFL months will be simple, with pocket management and significant pressure depending on the franchise that chooses him, but the Californian is a real sponge, hard on the badly, and has the potential to become a serious league starter, able to develop real potential every year.
