C.J. Stroud NFL Draft 2023: Scouting report, prospect ranking, recruiting profile more about Ohio State QB

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud is one of the top prospects, regardless of position, as we look ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft. A four-star recruit from Rancho Cucamonga High School in California, Stroud served as a redshirt backup to current Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields before taking the college football world by storm the past two seasons. 

Stroud combined to throw for more than 8,000 yards and 85 touchdowns (compared to just 12 interceptions) in 2021-22 while becoming Ohio State’s first two-time Heisman Trophy finalist. And perhaps his best performance came in his biggest game — this year’s College Football Playoff semifinal matchup with top-ranked Georgia. Despite the Buckeyes’ narrow defeat, Stroud dazzled by completing 23 of his 34 passes for 348 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions. He also used his legs on several occasions to extend drives, easing doubts of him only being a pristine pocket passer.

Below is a comprehensive draft profile for Stroud, including his high school and college accolades, scouting report and NFL prospect outlook.

Note: This profile will be updated as more information becomes available.

About

• Age: 21
• Year: Redshirt sophomore
• Height: 6-3
• Weight: 215
• Hometown: Inland Empire, California
• Interesting fact: Ohio State’s only two-time Heisman Trophy finalist

Position: No. 2 QB | Overall: No. 4

Scouting report

“Stroud has good arm strength, in addition to throwing with touch and good ball placement down the field. His throwing motion and footwork progressed throughout the season, which is a testament to the time and energy he puts into preparation. The California native has a natural feel for the game and is able to improvise based on the defensive approach. It is important that he continues to show growth this season. According to TruMedia, he had the second-highest passer efficiency, fourth-highest completion percentage (71.9%) and fifth-best quarterback sack rate (2.6%).” — CBS Sports NFL Draft analyst Josh Edwards

College stats

College Accolades

Honors

• Career: Tied for second in program history with five Big Ten individual awards won (tied with Justin Fields and Orlando Pace, only trailing Braxton Miller’s seven)
• 2022: Second-team All-American (Walter Camp Foundation, CBS Sports, American Football Coaches Association)
• 2021-22: Two-time Heisman Trophy finalist
• 2021-22: Two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year
• 2021-22: Two-time Big Ten Quarterback of the Year
• 2021-22: Two-time first-team All-Big Ten (media and coaches)
• 2021: Big Ten Freshman of the Year
• 2021: Third-team All-American (AP)
• 2021: Freshman All-American (The Athletic) 
• Seven-time Big Ten Freshman of the Week
• Two-time Offensive Player of the Week

Notable statistics

• Career: Set 16 program passing and total offense records 
• Career: Set three Big Ten records: single-season passing yards (3,193) and single-season TD passes (34) in Big Ten games only in 2021; career pass efficiency (182.39)
• Career: First Big Ten QB to have 30+ touchdown passes in back-to-back seasons
• 2022: FBS leader in pass efficiency rating (177.7)
• 2021: Second in FBS in passing TDs (41)
• 2021: Led nation’s best total offense (561.5 yards per game) and scoring offense (45.7 points per game)
• 2021: Top five in FBS in passer efficiency rating (second, 186.6), yards/attempt (second, 10.1), touchdown passes (third, 44), completion percentage (third, 71.9), yards per game (third 369.6).
• 2021: Set five Rose Bowl game records
• 2021 (vs. Michigan State): Walter Camp National Player of the Week
• 2021: Third in FBS in passing TDs (44)
• 2021: Second in FBS in pass efficiency rating (186.6)

High school: Rancho Cucamonga (Rancho Cucamonga, California)
Class: 2020
Composite Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0.9780)

• National: 42 | Pro-style QB: 2 | California: 4

High school accolades: Second-team All-State (MaxPreps), Elite 11 MVP, All-American bowl selection

Check out C.J. Stroud’s full 247Sports profile, here. For his MaxPreps profile, click here.