Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud To Meet With Three More Teams On NFL Draft Visits
The visit list continues to pile up for former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud before the NFL draft.
According to NFL Network, Stroud visited with the Las Vegas Raiders on Tuesday as one of their 30 pre-draft visits. The junior gunslinger will also meet with the Detroit Lions, and Indianapolis Colts later this week.
Stroud also has met with the Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans, both of whom are in need of franchise quarterbacks at picks No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Indianapolis, which selects at No. 4, seems to be the floor for Stroud should he still be on the board, meaning Detroit (No. 6 and No. 18) and Las Vegas (No. 7) would likely have to trade up to No. 3 with the Arizona Cardinals to make him the future of the franchise.
A two-year starter known for impeccable mechanics and quick decision-making skills, Stroud became a staple in Columbus as the heir apparent to Justin Fields. In his first season as a starter, he completed 71.9 percent of his passes while throwing for 4,435 yards and 44 touchdowns against six interceptions.
While the completion percentage dropped, the passer rating raised in 2022. Stroud led all FBS quarterbacks with a 177.66 rating while throwing for 3,688 yards and 41 touchdown passes against just six interceptions. He led the Buckeyes to their first College Football Playoff berth since 2020 and made headlines for his stellar performance against Georgia in the Peach Bowl semifinal.
Las Vegas recently parted ways with nine-year quarterback Derek Carr and signed former San Francisco 49ers starter Jimmy Garoppolo. Given his longevity concern due to consistent injuries, it would make sense for head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler to be in the market for a long-term option at the game's most crucial position.
Indianapolis has been in quarterback purgatory since the sudden retirement of Andrew Luck following the 2018 season. Under new coach Shane Steichen, the Colts are looking for a more youthful approach to build for their franchise's future after missing on veterans like Carson Wentz and Matt Ryans.
Detriot remains the wild card after finishing 9-8 last season with former No. 1 pick Jared Goff under center. The Lions finished with a top-five offense in total yards (380.0 yards per game) and points (26.6 points per game) under first-year offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Goff, who was packaged in the Matthew Stafford deal by the Los Angeles Rams prior to the 2021 season, finished top 10 in passing yards (4,438), touchdowns (29), and passer rating (99.3).
Stroud is currently projected as one of four quarterbacks expected to be selected in the first round, along with Alabama's Bryce Young, Kentucky's Will Levis and Florida's Anthony Richardson.
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