The Sports Gambling Podcast Network is bringing the first edition of our 2023 NFL Rookie Draft Reviews. We will start with the Quarterback positions with 3 to 4 first-round Quarterback Candidates.
This class is filled with talent and will bring great value to your dynasty squad for the foreseeable future. Dave Heilman (@DynastyDorks) and I (@FFBourbonDude) will discuss the following Quarterbacks and if you’re interested in listening in to our initial pre-combine breakdowns, follow the links below.
Our pre-draft consensus rankings are as follows:
This write-up is all about our consensus number-two quarterback in the 2023 rookie class. Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud has given us two years of elite college production. So let’s get into it.
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CJ Stroud – NFL Rookie Draft and Dynasty Watch
Background
CJ Stroud committed to the Buckeyes in 2019 and sat behind Justin Fields during his 2020 rookie season. He was the number two ranked quarterback in the country, according to 247sports. Stroud is the complete package of size, fundamentals, arms, and athleticism outside the pocket.
Height – 6’3″
Weight – 218 pounds
College Career
CJ Stroud had the luxury of watching and learning from Justin Fields his rookie season. He then took over the reigns and, in my opinion, played better. Any quarterback that can throw for over 8,000 yards, 85 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions in a power 5 conference deserves to be talked about. He did have some questions going into the college football playoffs but I believe he secured any doubt people may have had about his skill set. He likely is the best deep passer out of this class and takes really good care of the ball. So let’s get into his stats, pros, and cons.
| cmp/att | Yds | TD/INT | rush att | yds | Rush TD | |
| 2020 | 0/0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 48 | 1 |
| 2021 | 317/441 | 4,435 | 44/6 | 32 | -20 | 0 |
| 2022 | 258/389 | 3,688 | 41/6 | 47 | 108 | 0 |
QB Pros
Throwing Accuracy
Stroud is, by a long shot, the best deep-ball thrower of the class. The touch and accuracy that he can put on the ball outside the hash marks are impressive.
Touch and Anticipation
The ability to not only put the touch on the ball but also pair that with the anticipation of a player being in a spot is second to none. This is one of his most highlighted characteristics to me of all the quarterbacks.
Pocket Presence
While he doesn’t wow you with his rushing upside, Stroud moves extremely well in the pocket and can make plays inside the pocket by stepping up and away from pressure.
QB Cons
Rushing Ability
He doesn’t come with the rushing upside that everyone wants to see out of college quarterbacks. I honestly could care less about this. He is athletic and can make plays with his feet when necessary.
Creativity
As good as Stroud is at making plays when in the pocket, he does manage to panic a little when outside the pocket, and it prevents him from making those off-schedule throws.
Helmet Scout
Whether you like it or not, people are going to dock him because of the track record with Ohio State quarterbacks. The big one will be the one-read system that is implemented at OSU. There are instances of him progressing through reads but not enough to truly evaluate.
