CJ Stroud - QB - Ohio State
Welcome to the rookie profile for CJ Stroud. Stroud has shown his ability in college to perform, but he has also had top-tier talent to throw to. In his two seasons as a starter, he has had Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Emeka Egbuka to throw to. His landing spot in the NFL isn’t likely going to be able to give him that level of talent, but he has all of the tools to perform at the highest level.
Measurables
Height: 6′ 3″
Weight: 214 lbs
Age: 21
40-yard dash: DNP
3-cone drill: DNP
20-yard shuttle: DNP
Vertical Jump: DNP
Broad Jump: DNP
Bench Press: DNP
*age is at the start of player’s rookie year
College Stats
| Passing | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | School | Conf | Class | Pos | G | Cmp | Att | Pct | Yds | Y/A | AY/A | TD | Int | Rate |
| *2020 | Ohio State | Big Ten | FR | QB | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| *2021 | Ohio State | Big Ten | FR | QB | 12 | 317 | 441 | 71.9 | 4435 | 10.1 | 11.4 | 44 | 6 | 186.6 |
| *2022 | Ohio State | Big Ten | JR | QB | 13 | 258 | 389 | 66.3 | 3688 | 9.5 | 10.9 | 41 | 6 | 177.7 |
| Career | Ohio State | 575 | 830 | 69.3 | 8123 | 9.8 | 11.2 | 85 | 12 | 182.4 | ||||
Notable Headlines
Stroud was a 4-star recruit coming out of high school, with multiple offers, before opting to join Ohio State. He redshirted the 2020 season, before stepping in as the starter from 2021 onwards. That 2021 season, he threw for 4,435 yards, with 44TDs and 6 INTs. That season he was the leader of the best (statistical) offense in the nation, with total offense (561 yards per game) and scoring offense (45.7 ppg). All of that led to Stroud being awarded multiple personal awards, and being a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
In 2022 he was the starter again, with 3,688 yards passing with another productive season with 41 TDs and 6 INTs. That season put him in the prime spot for pass efficiency, after finishing second in the previous season.
Scouting Report
Positives
Stroud looks and feels like a traditional QB, with the size and ability to step up into the NFL. He has shown a great ability to read defenses correctly, and make the right pass. With his ability to get the ball out of his hands quickly and accurately, he can put the right zip and touch onto a pass to put it in a way to be caught well by his receivers. With his arm strength, he can push the ball downfield with relative ease. Once he gets into a good rhythm, there isn’t much stopping him having a good game. Has great accuracy, able to place the ball infront of his receivers to put them in the right position to make a play after the catch.
He has the ability to move the ball effectively with his legs too, with good balance, elusiveness and speed.
Negatives
Despite his ability on the ground, Stroud can at times seem like he is planted and doesn’t look to get out of the pocket to make a play. It’s hard to work out if Stroud is a truly elite player, or if he was a product of the elite players around him. Stroud doesn’t really like getting out of the pocket too much either, which can make it easier for defenders bringing the pressure on him in the pocket.
Pre Draft Analysis
Expected Draft Capital- Early Round 1
Ideal Landing Spot
In an ideal world, Stroud would end up on a team with a decent offensive line and a number of deep threats. But, with the teams at the top of the draft in need of QB talent, it’s hard to see that happening. Of the teams at the top of the draft order (currently) it would be the Seahawks or Colts that I’d most like him to land on. But with the Panthers moving up to the first pick of the draft, and the Texans needing a QB in second it’s hard to see Stroud making it that far.
Post Draft Analysis
Houston Texans – Round 1, Pick 2
Landing Spot
The Texans didn’t take much time in handing in the card for their QB. Stroud is going to be on the field early given the draft capital that has been invested in him. The signing of Case Keenum is underrated. I can’t see him as a threat to Stroud’s playing time, but the guidance he should be able to pass on is going to be invaluable.
Fantasy Impact
Stroud is a decent option for fantasy. Should be able to see the field early, runs the ball a decent amount giving him a solid baseline, and has a number of offensive weapons he can rely on. The addition of Robert Woods and Dalton Schultz in particular should help Stroud get into a rhythm from the pocket. With Devin Singletary added into a backfield with Dameon Pierce (who was effective last season) it could take the pressure off the rookie.
For dynasty, he is a no-brainer draft option. In redraft, he falls into the waiver wire options week to week.
Check out the rest of the draft kit. And, as always, if you want something more specific to your league- reach out! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Image Credit: Joseph Maiorana – USA TODAY Sports
