Making the Case For the Colts to Take C.J. Stroud
C.J. Stroud has solidified himself in the Ohio State history books over the last two years with what he has accomplished on the field.
Over the last two seasons (his only years as a starter), Stroud has combined for 575 completions on 830 attempts, 8,123 yards, 85 touchdowns, and only 12 interceptions. While some people may point to the school he attended and past examples of quarterbacks who put up great numbers at that program, I can argue none of them were as polished as Stroud is entering the NFL.
In fact, Stroud is the most polished quarterback in the entire draft class. Stroud, more so than any other quarterback, wins from the pocket. His ability to manipulate opposing defenders with his eyes and his precise ball placement are his strongest attributes. Stroud’s ability to put touch on passes and layer his throws over underneath defenders will be such an asset to his game at the next level. Stroud is also different from his predecessors in that he has shown the ability to go through his progressions and repeatedly make the correct read.
For those reasons, I feel like Stroud will be ready to start Week 1. Of course he is going to need time to adjust to the speed of the game, but Stroud is a guy I can see having success early.
In terms of leadership, Stroud's teammates know best, and they all speak glowingly of him. An example of his leadership was when Stroud, before the Buckeyes' season opening game against Notre Dame, decided to give each of his teammates a $500 gift card to buy a suit for game day. That might be seen as a small example of leadership, but a player taking his NIL deal to do something for his entire team means a lot to me.
Stroud showed a key ability that would make him an asset in Shane Steichen’s offense. Steichen, a disciple of former Los Angeles Chargers head coach Ken Whisenhunt, is all about making defenses commit to stopping the run and punishing them vertically with the passing game. Stroud has the ability to push the ball downfield and has shown it throughout his college career
For those that still are not convinced, Stroud can effortlessly throw the ball 60 yards in the air to a receiver. Steichen would build an offense catered to Stroud's strengths and weaponize his accuracy.
For Stroud to be successful, he’s going to need a great running game and playmakers on the outside to win one-on-one matchups. A lot of crossers and mesh concepts will be implemented so Stroud can get the ball out to them on time and in rhythm, allowing his receivers to have more run-after-the-catch opportunities. With his accuracy, Stroud makes defenses play honest and have to cover every blade of grass. When given time, Stroud can deliver a precise pass to any part of the field.
The Indianapolis Colts need two things right now more than ever: A quarterback that can play right away and a guy that is going to be a leader on this team.The draft is still over a month away, but it’s going to be fun to imagine what a C.J. Stroud-led offense may look like if he is the Colts' pick April 27. He may indeed be the choice on that night.
