C.J. Stroud Scouting Report

C.J. Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State

Basic Information:

Conference: Big Ten

Class: Junior

Age: 21.25

Height: 6’3

Weight: 218 lbs.

Background:

- 4-star pro-style quarterback from Rancho Cucamonga, California

- Was initially considered a 3-star recruit in high school, but he eventually became the 3rd-ranked quarterback in his class

- MVP of the elite 11 in 2019

- Played at Ohio State for three seasons (full-time starter for two), and he was the Big Ten offensive player of the year in 2021 and 2022

- Was a Heisman finalist in 2021 and 2022

Strengths:

- Generates big throws deep down the field at a very high rate | 7% big-time throw rate in 2022 (9th since 2019)

- Navigates the pocket really well and does a great job avoiding sacks | 14.1% pressure-to-sack rate (8th since 2019)

- Very effective on short throws this past season | 88.6 PFF passing grade on short throws (3rd since 2019)

- Shines when he doesn’t face pressure or blitzes | 93.4 PFF grade kept clean (9th since 2019)

- Elite passing efficiency this season | 177.1 passer rating in 2022 (9th since 2019)

- Has shown the ability to be effective on intermediate throws | 93.2 PFF passing grade on “medium” throws in 2021

- Has shown the ability to perform while under pressure | 67 PFF grade under pressure in 2021

- Despite a down year in 2022, his career production is extremely strong | Career completion percentage of 69.3% and a career passer rating of 182.4 (both top three since 2019)

Weaknesses:

- Was a lot more careless with the football this past season | 3.6% turnover-worthy play rate in 2022 (29th since 2019)

- After being extremely accurate in 2021, his accuracy fell off a cliff in 2022 | 72.8% accuracy rate (27th since 2019)

- Struggled on intermediate throws this season | 75.3 PFF passing grade on “medium” throws (24th since 2019)

- Remarkably terrible under pressure this season | 42 PFF grade under pressure (32nd since 2019)

- Struggled a bit when facing blitzes as well | 78.1 PFF grade when blitzed (18th since 2019)

Red Flags:

- His PFF grade under pressure is a major concern, especially considering he isn’t a high-level runner

Overview:

C.J. Stroud is a fascinating prospect. Trying to evaluate him is extremely difficult because his advanced numbers were not good this year. Looking at his advanced stats from PFF, he looks like a guy who shouldn’t be a top-ten pick. His struggles this year on intermediate throws and while under pressure, combined with the fact that he isn’t a great athlete, raise a lot of questions about how his game will translate to the next level.

However, I think there are reasons to look past his statistical flaws in 2022. For starters, in 2021, he performed extremely well on intermediate throws and while under pressure. Also, his career production is elite and on par with some of the top prospects in recent memory.

In regard to his mobility, I think this is criticized way too much. He isn’t a high-level runner, but he can move within the pocket and is more than capable of escaping the pocket and extending plays. He isn’t as good in this area as Bryce young, but I think he showed some solid playmaking ability this year, especially against Georgia in the first round of the playoffs.

One of my favorite things about Stroud’s game is his accuracy and ball placement. He is a machine when it comes to delivering the ball on target, and this makes him one of the best pocket passers from the last few drafts. Unfortunately, this mold of quarterback is starting to fade from the NFL, but Stroud provides enough mobility to be successful.

I get why some people are low on C.J. Stroud. His numbers this season are concerning. However, I like his film a lot, and I think he has shown the ability to be effective in areas that he struggled with this season. His floor is lower than you’d like due to his statistical warts and lacking rushing productivity, but I think he is way better than some people (PFF guys, I’m looking at you) are giving him credit for. If you’re picking in the top ten and need a franchise quarterback, don’t overlook Stroud.

Draft Value and Future Outlook:

1st Round | Starter to Pro Bowl