Why the Colts Will Take C.J. Stroud if He Falls

The Indianapolis Colts are on the doorstep of the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Without question, this is the most important pick the Colts will have in recent memory.

With this known, there is a quarterback prospect who seems to be the sure thing and safest pick for Indianapolis: Ohio State's C.J. Stroud.

It was rumored that Stroud would be the pick once the Carolina Panthers traded up to number one with the Chicago Bears. This was fueled even further by how enamored new Panthers coach Frank Reich seemed with Stroud at his Pro Day. With this update, the Colts' hopes of grabbing Stroud seemingly vanished.

However, there were multiple reports that Stroud had underperformed on the S2 Cognition test for the draftee quarterbacks. This significantly began swirling rumors that he "wasn't ready," "couldn't process NFL speed," and "might not be a leader."

CJ Stroud reportedly scored an “18%” on the S2 cognition test, a cognitive test that focuses on processing and decision-making.

Stroud’s score was the lowest of all reported scores from this year’s QB draft class.

Every other QB’s score was at least 28% higher than Stroud’s 😳 pic.twitter.com/OoAzQOEYN4
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) April 21, 2023

For those who aren't aware, the S2 Cognition test is described as "Our 30-45 minute digital evaluation measures your unique cognitive skills with unprecedented precision and accuracy. This in-depth report will help you understand how you process the game and stack up against your peers," per S2's website.

After releasing this information, could Stroud be far less ready than the Colts and general manager Chris Ballard had previously thought? Well, S2's co-founder Brandon Ally recently questioned the reports he'd heard live on the Pat McAfee Show.

"The list of @S2Cognition scores that I have seen aren't accurate at all..

At least two of them aren't accurate and those scores don't have context" ~ @brandonally3 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/N7VGCrmpvc
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 24, 2023

I am one to trust a source who created the metrics. This, amongst a constant mist of rumors and lies surrounding the Colts and their draft pick, is why I believe the Colts will still select Stroud if he's available.

Whether Indy feels inclined to jump to number three in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals or Stroud is available at number four, new coach Shane Steichen must acknowledge Stroud's natural accuracy. As we've mentioned, Stroud has everything Steichen looks for, and accuracy is his greatest skill.

He would also be the most pure passer out of the draft class. With that type of arm at the helm, throwing to offensive pieces like tight end Jelani Woods and receivers Alec Pierce, Isaiah Mckenzie, and Michael Pittman Jr., it's hard to imagine Stroud not being the pick if he's there.

Also, based on reports and reactions from reliable sources, the news of Stroud being so far behind the other prospects could be entirely false. With this all together, I have a gut feeling Stroud will be getting a horseshoe for his helmet come Thursday if he is available.

The NFL draft is near. The drama will be over, and the Colts will have their next quarterback. Could it be Stroud? I believe so. But, remember what Ballard himself said, "everyone is lying" ahead of the big day.

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