2023 BCS QB Scouting Report
Player: C.J. Stroud
School: Ohio State
Year: Sophomore
Games Watched: Oregon (2021), Michigan (2021 & 2022), Michigan State (2021), Utah (2021), Notre Dame (2022), Rutgers (2022), Georgia (2022)
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Accuracy: Finished with a lower completion percentage in 2022 though the offense took more lower-percentage shots down the field. Finished both seasons with an Adjusted Completion Percentage above 70 percent. Can stand back there and throw darts to pick you apart, but maintaining said accuracy in the face of pressure took a worrisome hit.
Arm Strength: Arm talent takes a back seat to a number of guys in this class, but is still NFL-caliber. Will likely have struggles to beat man coverage at the next level. Entrusted with deep crossers and out routes off of play-action that he hit without much struggle.
Size: Stands 6’3” with a muscular 218-pound frame that has room for additional mass.
Mobility: Not a runner though he gives an offense enough to escape trouble. Shows some short-area movement skills that can evade free rushers early in the rep. Looks comfortable and smooth executing move-the-pocket throws, generating adequate torque and rotation as necessary.
Decision Making: Rarely one to take sacks or put the ball in harm’s way. Because of his understanding of alignment and leverage, he’s not one to put in the air and give the defense a chance.
Out of Structure Ability: Reached its peak against Georgia in the playoffs, showing encouraging flashes that it can be unlocked and sustained long-term. Gets beyond the pocket and whips throws at various levels, just needs to place them accordingly at a more consistent rate.
Pocket Awareness: Advanced spatial awareness with the ability to locate and work to space in the pocket, but needs to trim the fat in some of his movements. Can take his patience from good to great by hanging in a hair longer, but overall he is very sound within the pocket.
Touch/Placement: Layers throws over the middle with the right blend of velocity and touch to regularly give his receivers a chance. Will drop, set, and throw because he anticipates when receivers are coming open, combining with his natural passing skills to deliver well-placed throws.
Upper/Lower Mechanics: Silky-smooth motion and release that gets back to the desired neutral position and generates good spin off his hand. Occasionally takes an extra hitch that negates his ability to throw from a sound base, causing throws to sail. Can snap into an efficient platform, but had to do so more often than desired because his feet were too loud.
Progressions: Timing and rhythm are superior to most, if not all, in this class. Ball is constantly coming out when it needs to in quick game. Strong peripheral vision to quickly work to his next option and see the entire field despite occasionally getting lost in the vortex of underneath coverage.
Accuracy (15): 12.25
Arm Strength (10): 7.25
Size (5): 3.75
Mobility (10): 7.25
Decision Making (10): 9
Out of Structure Ability (10): 7
Pocket Awareness (10): 9.25
Touch/Placement (10): 9
Upper/Lower Mechanics (10): 8.5
Progressions (10): 9.75
Grade: 83/100 – Day One
Summary: Stroud has been highly efficient and productive across two seasons as a starter, and though his play in 2022 was less impressive than the year prior, he is a bonafide NFL passer. Saving arguably his best for last against the eventual National Champions was an encouraging sign heading into draft season, showcasing dynamic play-making ability that had the Georgia Bulldogs on the ropes. With all the requisite tools and upside to be a quality starter in the NFL, expect Stroud to become a top-5 selection.
Report Author: T.J. Randall
Twitter: @TJ_Randall12