CJ Stroud Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

School: Ohio State University (Junior)

Position: QB

HT: 6’3

WT: 218 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #4

Stroud is by far the most complete quarterback in the class as he has the perfect build for the position as well as the arm to accompany the stature. Stroud is extremely accurate and is able to drop the football in a bucket from any angle. Stroud is an extremely effective play action passer, which allows him to stress the 2nd level of the defense. Stroud is able to time his throws and lead his receivers better than any prospect we have seen in the last few seasons. Stroud can read and diagnose coverages as well as anyone while he is also able to place the ball where only his receiver will be able to make a play on it. He has become a natural leader as his career has progressed in Columbus. He has gained a sense of comfortability in the leadership role that we did not see out of him last year. He is confident when seeing the looks the defense is showing and either sticking with the script or calling the audible. Stroud can access all areas of the field which allows the offense to remain spread. There are no limits on his receivers’ route trees because no matter where they are, Stroud will be able to get them the ball. His right arm is more than NFL ready. Stroud can be a more timing and system based quarterback, which would allow the offense to move at a quicker pace and execute the short to intermediate portion of the field at a more consistent rate. With that being said, Stroud can also improvise if a play breaks down or if the pocket collapses around him. While he may not be the fastest quarterback that we have seen, he has excellent footwork and knows how to maneuver within and around the pocket. While being a tall, and somewhat lanky, quarterback, he has great balance and is able to stay on his feet while under duress. This is part of his game that isn't talked about as much as it should be, Stroud is very slippery and hard for defenders to bring down behind the line of scrimmage.

When it comes to weaknesses, Stroud could afford to use his legs more. He is very content with staying in the pocket and if it collapses, he gets rid of the ball. It is not a question of if he can run, rather a question of why he doesn’t. An ability to gain a quick 6 or 7 yards with his legs would make defenses have to think about more than they already do. Lastly, earlier on in the season, when Stroud faced different mixes of defensive looks, he struggled to diagnose them and this caused a lack of production for his standards. However, it seems that he adjusted and they were just part of his growing pains. He has since been able to settle in and lead his team against a variety of looks.

To sum up his report, Stroud has the potential to be a generational franchise guy, and I really believe he can live up to it. If he goes to the right place, which is a huge ‘if’ in the NFL, he could show why I believe he is so special right away. The best situation for Stroud would be a team which needs a quarterback change but can hang on until midseason to make that change, think of the Pittsburgh Steelers with Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett this past season. Stroud is far and away my QB1 of this draft class, and if he flops, I am willing to bite the bullet.

Scheme Fit: West Coast Offense

Ideal Role: Pocket Passer

Best Team Fits: IND, CAR, HOU

Player Comparison: Joe Burrow

Player Grade: 93.0