In a quarterback class loaded at the top, it sometimes seems C.J. Stroud could be forgotten amongst the four top signal-callers. The draft’s version of controversy surrounds the other three. Is Will Levis actually for real? Is Anthony Richardson more than his bonkers athleticism? And can decision-makers get around Bryce Young’s size. Then there’s Stroud, who, depending on who you ask, has the highest floor of all four prospects. To the extent a prospect can be a safe bet at the QB position, the Ohio State product is that guy in this group.
Stroud talked about his decision to enter the draft Friday in Indianapolis at the NFL scouting combine was more difficult than one might have expected. He waited until the declaration deadline (Jan. 16) to throw his name in the ring, hinting at the whispers coming out of Columbus that he seriously considered returning to school due to the unfinished business of a career in which he left without a win over Michigan, a Big Ten championship or a playoff win despite illustrious performances throwing the ball. But during the draft process, there is also a can’t or won’t question around Stroud’s willingness to run.
“I’ll be honest. I told [NFL teams] like I’ll tell y’all, I didn’t [run] a lot in college and I should’ve. It’s something I do regret,” Stroud said. “I feel like I could have done it a lot more. I think if you turn on the film and you really watch what I do and you really look at it game to game, I have used my athleticism not only in the Georgia game, but I did it a lot. I’ve done it in every other game. I’ve had tough third-down runs. I’ve had tough fourth-down runs. There are times when I didn’t run the ball and maybe I should’ve, but I feel like that’s something that I’ve learned and I feel like 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.”
