CJ Stroud 2023 Dynasty Rookie Profile
Position: QB
School: Ohio State
Class: Redshirt Sophomore
Date of Birth: October 3, 2001
Height: 6-3 Weight: 214 lbs
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Bio
Hailing from Rancho Cucamonga, California, C.J Stroud was a standout high school quarterback. He led his high school team to a 9-4 record and a state semifinals appearance. Stroud finished his high school career by throwing for 3,878 yards and 47 touchdowns. Stroud was a consensus top-50 prospect regardless of position and the No.2 pro-style quarterback according to 247Sports. He was the 4th highest Buckeye recruit for Ohio State’s top-5 recruiting class in 2020.
Stroud appeared in just two games in 2020 as he backed up Justin Fields, resulting in a redshirt season. After redshirting his freshman year, Stroud found himself in a quarterback battle with highly touted true freshman Quinn Ewers. Stroud eventually won the battle and had a Heisman worthy season. Stroud’s 71.9 completion percentage and over 4,400 passing yards both ranked in the top-5 nationally. Ohio State finished 12-1 after a bowl victory in Stroud’s first year as the starter.
After losing first-round receivers Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba missing nearly the entire season, Stroud still shined in his second year as a starter. His 41 passing touchdowns only trailed Heisman-winner Caleb Williams. And while the Buckeyes failed to avenge their lone 2021 loss to Michigan, they gave Georgia their toughest test over the last two years. Stroud accounted for 348 yards through the air and four touchdowns.
College Stats
C.J. Stroud College Stats Courtesy of sports-reference
Positives
+ Accurate
+ Good size
+ Great ball placement
+ Great with a clean pocket
+ 2-years of strong college productions
+ Low turnover margin (1.4% interception rate)
Negatives
– Slower at getting through progressions
– Struggles when under pressure
– Not a threat on the ground; excluding sacks, 54 carries for 273 yards in 25 games
Highlight Reel
Archetype: Pocket-passer
Best Comparable Player: Jared Goff
Draft Projection: Top-10
Bottom Line:
C.J. Stroud offers size and college productions that others lack in this class. He is accurate and operates well with a clean pocket. However, when the pocket collapses, Stroud tends to panic and make ill-advised throws that can be intercepted or deflected. Stroud did not offer much rushing upside in his two years as the Buckeyes starter. Yet, what Stroud lacked on the ground he more than exceeded in his passing play. His strong arm paired with sound decision making has him atop this years class. He did benefit from having up to four first round receivers in his two years at Ohio State. Nonetheless, Stroud has a strong case to be the first quarterback off the board in April’s NFL Draft.
Resources: DLF, PlayerProfiler, PFN, PFF, TDN
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