The Indianapolis Colts are taking everything into account when it comes to their selection of a potential franchise quarterback in the 2023 NFL draft, and Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud is right there among the top options.
Known for his incredible accuracy, impeccable anticipation and ability to manipulate defenses, Stroud is arguably the best pocket passer in this class. However, there have been some questions about his ability to create offense outside of structure, whether it be throwing on the run outside of the pocket or simply gaining yards with his legs.
It’s an important aspect that has become a vital trait among the league’s top quarterbacks in today’s NFL.
Stroud didn’t show off that type of athleticism often in college, and it’s something he looks back upon with regret.
“I’ll be honest, I told them like I’ll tell y’all. I didn’t do it a lot in college and I feel like I should have. It’s something I do regret,” Stroud said at the NFL Scouting Combine on Friday. “I feel like I could have done it a lot more.”
During the 2022 season, Stroud ran the ball 47 times for 108 rushing yards. While he was an elite thrower from the pocket, driving the ball to all levels of the field with incredible precision, he failed to consistently show he can create offense when things broke down.
We did get a glimpse of what he can do, though, during the college football playoff game against Georgia, which is a game many analysts point to as evidence that Stroud possesses the ability to use improvisation.
But part of the draft process is showing growth and taking accountability. That’s a trait Stroud did not fail to show during his combine press conference.
“I feel like that’s something that I learned and that’s what football is about. It’s about stepping back up to the plate and going back and working hard and fixing those problems,” Stroud said. “That’s something I plan to fix and I’ll show them my athleticism. I’ve done it before on film, but since people don’t think I can do it, I’m going to do it again.”
The Colts have a chance to add a potential franchise quarterback with their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft at the end of April. Stroud is expected to be high on their board when considering his entire profile.
Whether the Colts would have to trade up remains to be seen, but Stroud already has a high floor as a prospect given what he’s shown as a passer. His ceiling could be elevated even higher if he truly is willing to use his athleticism more.
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