The Carolina Panthers got up close and personal with C.J. Stroud this afternoon. But, hey, at least they brought him out to dinner first.
After reportedly meeting with Stroud extensively the night prior, the Panthers sent their 14-person contingent into the Ohio State University pro day to get eyes on their potential No. 1 overall pick. And, uh, they got way more than eyes on the top quarterback prospect.
Stroud and Frank Reich pic.twitter.com/AoXarSUse6
— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) March 22, 2023
CJ Stroud is going through his workout now with Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich very close by. @nbc4i pic.twitter.com/gdYo9whQW8
— Whitney Harding (@WhitneyNBC4) March 22, 2023
The @Panthers looked impressed by @CJ7STROUD's Pro Day performance 👀 pic.twitter.com/Obb8kF16ok
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) March 22, 2023
CJ Stroud talking with Panthers head coach Frank Reich after his Pro Day. pic.twitter.com/5UYePRTgq0
— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) March 22, 2023
Talking shop 🙌 pic.twitter.com/RRCrjnxtxt
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) March 22, 2023
Head coach Frank Reich seemed particularly enamored by Stroud, and had some fans thinking back to a few prior first-round picks during their pro day interactions with the team . . .
— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) March 22, 2023
Where's that pro day (?) Photo of Hurney staring at DJ Moore like he's in love with him
— lucas (@LucasExplores) March 22, 2023
As expected, the Heisman Trophy finalist shined during his throwing session in Columbus. Per the count from Joe Person of The Athletic, Stroud connected on 44 of his 51 passes—with two of the seven incompletions coming on drops.
We’ll see if all that love follows the Panthers to Tuscaloosa tomorrow, when they get a look at Alabama University’s Bryce Young on Thursday.