Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud has faced strong criticisms from anonymous NFL scouts and former college stars in recent days. With just hours until the 2023 NFL Draft begins, the All-American quarterback could be in for a longer night than expected.
When the pre-draft process began, Stroud faced questions about the limited athleticism he showed at Ohio State. Some in the NFL also had reservations about the two-time Heisman Trophy finalist because of the poor track record of Buckeyes’ quarterbacks in the NFL.
- C.J. Stroud stats (career): 8,123 passing yards, 85-12 TD-INT, 182.4 QB rating
Related: NFL executive calls C.J. Stroud a ‘bust’ over S2 score
Despite the criticisms, Stroud was still viewed as a projected top-two pick with a high likelihood of being drafted first overall by the Carolina Panthers. However, everything changed once Carolina seemed to lock in on Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.
As soon as the consensus became Carolina would draft Stroud, reports surfaced that the Houston Texans had no interest in Stroud. In addition, former NFL quarterback Brady Quinn raised questions about Stroud’s commitment level and anonymous NFL executives leaked S2 scores, using Stroud’s score to suggest he isn’t worth drafting.
While some around the NFL are still high on Stroud, including analysts and players, there is reportedly a real chance he slides further than expected on Thursday night.
According to Peter King of Pro Football Talk, multiple NFL coaches cited talk around the league that Stroud’s draft stock is dropping. At this point, the long-time insider wouldn’t be surprised if Stroud slips past the Las Vegas Raiders with the seventh overall pick.
Related: C.J. Stroud scouting report
It would be a considerable fall for a quarterback who was once the favorite to be the first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. The last time scouts and executives saw Stroud playing, he threw for 348 passing yards and four touchdowns against the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP Semifinal.
Stroud later delivered what many called one of the best passing performances at the NFL Combine in recent years. Furthermore, the founder of the S2 Cognition Test said Stroud’s leaker score was inaccurate and he performed well. Despite all those factors, though, it’s clear many around the NFL believe Stroud will be in for a long Thursday night.
