Ohio State’s pro day featured a large contingent of NFL coaches, scouts and even team owners, primarily to watch potential No. 1 overall pick, quarterback CJ Stroud, drill.
Alabama’s Stroud and Bryce Young are the consensus top two quarterbacks and, in turn, the top two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft at the end of April, so many saw he had a positive day in Columbus. .
The Carolina Panthers own the No. 1 overall pick in the Draft after making a big trade with the Chicago Bears to acquire it. Team owner David Tepper, new boss Frank Reich and more were there to get an up-close look at their potential new quarterback.
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Maybe that’s exactly what they’re thinking of doing with that first pick after what quarterbacks coach Josh McCown told Stroud.
McCown was caught on camera talking to Stroud after his workout.
«You did good bro. That was great,» McCown said.
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After shaking hands with Tepper and Reich, McCown talked to Stroud one more time about playing a horse game on a basketball court. In doing so, McCown said this:
«Maybe when you live in Charlotte, we can find a court.»
Stroud laughed and said, «I’m going to take your money.»
Most NFL teams like to keep their draft plans under wraps, but in the case of the Panthers, they changed because they’re in the market for a quarterback. And since no other team picks before them, making comments like these to Stroud isn’t such a bad thing.
Reports coming from Pro Day found that Stroud was impressive with his arm strength and command of the ball while shooting. ESPN’s Louis Riddick noted that Stroud displayed a «maturity» and «unique leadership style» while he drilled, something he feels he is worthy of that first overall pick.
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Stroud’s junior season saw 3,688 yards with 41 touchdowns for six interceptions in 13 games after he threw for 4,435 yards with 44 touchdowns for six interceptions in 2021.
Despite those impressive numbers, Stroud finished fourth in the 2021 Heisman Trophy voting, losing to Young, and third last season after USC’s Caleb Williams was named the winner.
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Still, Stroud’s physical and mental abilities on the game have pundits believing the Panthers are dead set on him being their next franchise quarterback, which they’ve been looking for since Cam Newton’s play waned in 2019.