Why C.J. Stroud is still the safest QB pick in 2023 NFL Draft

Every year, in the run up to draft week, reports and speculation mounts across the media circus as the spotlight on the top prospects available for selection intensifies.

Tensions are high, as are the stakes at play, not just for the players and teams, but for all those in the media with their predictions.

Unfortunately this year, it has been C.J. Stroud’s name which has been the subject of criticism. The concern from personnel comes on the back of reports that the former Ohio State QB failed to attend the Manning Passing Academy as a counsellor, which led to a squabble between analysts Brady Quinn and Ryan Clark and unproven rumours that the Mannings may have called teams to say bad things about the young star because he failed to show up.

But what does it really mean about Stroud not attending the camp, even if he did commit to it? Does it really paint that much of a picture of his character, and does it really have anything to do with how he will perform as a pro quarterback?

Stroud is ready for the NFL

Now trailing as the bookmakers favourite to go first overall to Alabama’s Bryce Young, it seems there are people out to try and plummet Stroud’s draft stock even further, much of which is completely uncalled for.

If Stroud is dropping down the mock orders that we’re seeing, it’s probably because the media had an unjustifiably high opinion of Stroud, rather than who he is as a person.

But this isn’t black and white. Stroud still has a strong chance of going very early on April 27, and for good reason. Having followed Justin Fields to the QB1 job at Ohio State, Stroud has made a name for himself over the past few years as one of the better college prospects ready to take his game to the next level.

In particular, his accuracy and ability to hit receivers in stride are second to none in this class, and he is a real force in the pocket. He might not have the skillset potential of his peers in Young, Anthony Richardson and even Will Levis, but we saw time and time again for the Buckeyes that Stroud can be the guy to lead a team to victories.

He reads opposition defenses well and looks to do an excellent job of eliminating options based on his awareness pre-snap and in play. So far in his career, we haven’t seen Stroud throw many turnover-worthy passes, with most of his interceptions coming when he’s overconfident in his arm strength. With some good coaching in the NFL, Stroud can become a valuable and competent player for many teams.

What do these reports mean for his draft stock?

Of course, we wish he was more of an elite athlete like Young, the undoubted talent of this quarterback bunch regardless of his size. Stroud may have the highest floor of the quarterbacks in this draft in some commentators eyes. But his football IQ stands out above the rest.

This isn’t at all to say to say the Carolina Panthers should take Stroud first overall, or the Houston Texans take him should he fall to number two. We’ve even presented in this piece that there are players with much better potential than the former Buckeye, who does have some faults that he needs to work on as a pro.

The point is, that there is nothing wrong here with taking Stroud, and the recent media down play shouldn’t put off potential suitors. We can’t wait to see him in the NFL and franchise quarterback for many years to come.