In 2022, his second season as Ohio State’s starting quarterback, C.J. Stroud proved himself to be a top-tier NCAA starter, and quite possibly a top-five pick in the 2023 NFL draft. Certainly top 10 — when you have a guy who’s able to get things done in the pocket as Stroud has proven to over those last two seasons, well, this is what most NFL shot-callers want. This season, per Sports Info Solutions, Stroud has completed 201 of 295 passes from the pocket for 2,942 yards, 1,647 air yards, 29 touchdowns, six interceptions, and a passer rating of 124.7. Stroud with a clean pocket, from in the pocket, can make explosive plays like this all day long.
If you want a quarterback who can lead his receiver open on a deep post, as Stroud did for 44 yards to receiver Emeka Egbuka against Michigan? Stroud is aa complete a pocket passer as the NCAA will churn out this season.
