CJ Stroud makes NFL pitch: 'I've been the best player in college football for two years in a row'

The 2023 NFL Combine is underway. As per usual, with the upcoming draft, the quarterback position is at the forefront of the conversation. After last year produced zero top-10 picks from the QB spot, there could be up to four of them drafted in the top-10 this spring. One of which being Ohio State signal-caller CJ Stroud.

During one of his interviews this week, Stroud proclaimed himself as college football’s best player over the last two seasons. He may not have won a Heisman Trophy or been crowned a College Football Playoff champ, but the Buckeye passer believes no single player or quarterback has matched his consistent great play since he took over as the OSU starter.

On Friday afternoon, SportsCenter played this clip from Stroud expressing his confidence in being the best talent in college ball the last couple seasons:

“I think I’ve been the best player in college football for two years in a row. I think I’ve been the most consistent, and when it comes to off the field stuff, just being a leader. You can ask anybody in my locker room…would CJ put his head on the chopping block for y’all? And I’m pretty sure they would all say yes.”

Per Stroud himself, he’s a consistent playmaker and a sworn-by leader. Traits that NFL teams would love to have in their starting QB. The question is…can Stroud be that guy for an NFL franchise? After all, the pros are a totally different animal than college. However, he’s showcased his supreme talent and strong leadership at every level of football thus far, and it’s reasonable to believe he can do the same in the NFL.

CJ Stroud will battle Bryce Young, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson as the 2023 Draft’s top crop of quarterbacks. All mega-talented players under center who project as good leaders too. Hard to go wrong with any of the prospects, but Stroud says that he’s the one to pick above the rest. We’ll see how it all plays out this upcoming spring.