Dynasty Rookie Profile: C.J. Stroud

Quarterback – Ohio State

6’3, 218 lbs

Strengths

Whether he’s your QB1 in this 2023 rookie class or your QB2, Stroud stands at 6’3, 218 pounds and fits the mold of an NFL quarterback. His ideal NFL size pushes him up draft boards as he is already seen as very NFL-ready. He’ll impress everyone at the 2023 NFL Combine where his skills will be on full display. 

He has good touch on balls with the ability to attack the defense vertically and horizontally. Overall, Stroud has made excellent decisions and gets the ball out fast. He possesses an NFL-ready arm with good zip on his ball. Additionally, he has excellent short to medium-level accuracy and will step up and deliver the ball effectively. Stroud is also mobile and can move in the pocket very well. Overall, Stroud fits the ideal mold and measurables that an NFL scout is looking for in a quarterback today in the NFL.

Weaknesses

Stroud struggled early in the season and couldn’t step up against a top team like Michigan. Stroud has looked good but has also played with an elite offense. This raises questions about how his game will translate over to the next level if he doesn’t have these playmakers. Furthermore, there have been times when Stroud has been inconsistent this season, but you could make the argument for every quarterback in this class. 

NFL Fit and Draft Capital

Stroud is a 1st Round lock and will likely go within the top-five picks. NFL mock drafts have him going fourth overall on average. He will receive a team investment to help him develop, get on the field faster, and will get the starting spot for a few seasons at some point in the near future.

One of the best cases for Stroud and most likely to happen is going to the Detroit Lions who will have a very high pick. Jared Goff is serviceable, but he isn’t the answer. Stroud could elevate this offense with guys like D’Andre Swift, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams at his disposal. The Lions need to get better overall, but with a good quarterback, they could be a scary offense next year.

One of the other landing spots which isn’t quite as great would be landing with the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers offense is not nearly as talented with a terrible head coach Matt Rhule and targets of D.J. Moore and Terrace Marshall. This situation could be awful for Stroud, and he will likely struggle early on in this offense, especially if Matt Rhule is there.

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