Ohio State quarterback and potential Indianapolis Colts draft target C.J. Stroud put on a clinic in the throwing drills at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.
While the throws against air should certainly be taken with a grain of salt, Stroud showed off his consistent pinpoint accuracy, strong footwork and excellent anticipation on the majority of his throws.
Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network felt it was one of the best throwing sessions he’s ever seen at the combine.
CJ Stroud is having one of the best throwing sessions I’ve seen at the Combine.
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) March 4, 2023
Stroud didn’t run the 40-yard dash or do any of the other drills, but he gave a glimpse as to why he’s considered one of the best pocket passers in this draft class.
"CJ Stroud is having one of the best throwing sessions I’ve seen at the Combine." – @MoveTheSticks @CJ7STROUD | @OhioStateFB
📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/SFkqZyKj8j— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2023
Where Stroud needs to prove the scouts and executives wrong is his ability to create offense outside of structure and under pressure. We saw at times during his career at Ohio State that Stroud does possess the ability to improvise.
However, it was a trait we didn’t see too often over the last few seasons. Pocket passers can win in the NFL, but we’re seeing a trend of elite quarterbacks who have the trait of being great improvisers.
We’ve seen Stroud do it, just not consistently. And it’s one of the bigger regrets of his time at Ohio State.
Depending on how his interviews went, Stroud may have solidified his status as a top-five pick in the draft.
Whether the Colts will be a team that targets him won’t be made known until the draft, but Stroud certainly delivered a strong day throwing the football.
Like Colts Wire on Facebook
Follow Colts Wire on Twitter
Follow Kevin on Twitter (@KevinHickey11)
