Anyone who saw Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud throw the football during his 2022 season, or have one of the better combine throwing sessions in recent memory, will not be surprised to know that he looked just about perfect at his pro day throwing session on Wednesday. Stroud threw to a cadre of Buckeyes receivers, including 2023 first-round prospect Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr., who might be the first overall prospect in the 2024 draft.
Stroud did everything possible to impress the hundreds of NFL general managers, coaches, and scouts on hand, from deep throws from the pocket to throws on the move. Throwing on the move was a concern for Stroud in the minds of some until his final collegiate game against Georgia, but aside from a couple of off-target throws, Stroud looks like he looks — a practiced thrower with outstanding mechanics and a whip of an arm magnified by technique.
A trio of money throws here from CJ Stroud. The 3rd one is a thing a beauty. pic.twitter.com/7eNkpeJuAr
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) March 22, 2023
Interesting to note that Seahawks general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll were speaking with Ohio State head coach Ryan Day right behind Stroud through his throwing session. As it all concluded, and after Stroud gave customized handshakes to all the receivers who participated, he spent some time with Panthers owner David Tepper, head coach Frank Reich, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, and senior assistant Jim Caldwell. Of course, the Panthers traded with the Bears for the first overall pick in the 2023 draft, and Stroud could be the top guy on their radar.
And here’s the payoff. CJ Stroud with the Panthers brass, including Thomas Brown, Frank Reich, David Tepper, Josh McCown, and Jim Caldwell. pic.twitter.com/XuOGnBNEyn
— John Ellis (@1PantherPlace) March 22, 2023
Based on Reich’s historical preferences for quarterbacks, I think that’s the case.
The Panthers have already met with Stroud, and plan to do so again at their facility. One imagines their group will now travel to Alabama to watch Bryce Young’s pro day, which takes place tomorrow.
