CJ Stroud proud to be 'battle-tested' as No. 2 overall 2023 NFL Draft pick

The 2023 NFL Draft is underway, with a pair of quarterbacks off the board with the first two picks, as Bryce Young led the way to the Carolina Panthers and the Houston Texans followed suit by drafting CJ Stroud.

Stroud, overcome by emotion, spoke with ESPN’s Suzy Kolber after his selection.

“God has battle-tested me. It’s something that I feel like is in me, it’s not on me,” Stroud said. “He’s scarred me, so I’ve been battle-tested. I have the armor of God on me. Everything I’ve been through is preparing me for this moment right here.”

The Ohio State quarterback really vaulted his NFL Draft status through the roof with a terrific showing in a College Football Playoff semifinal against Georgia.

Though the Buckeyes lost, Stroud proved he could play against an elite team at a really high level. It was arguably the best look NFL personnel would get of Stroud essentially facing NFL-light competition.

Stroud posted two tremendous seasons at Ohio State before turning pro.

He went 575-of-830 passing for 8,123 yards and 85 touchdowns, against just 12 interceptions. He wasn’t much of a runner, rushing for just one touchdown during the 2020 season in his entire collegiate career.

But NFL teams are convinced they can win with Stroud, with the Texans being in position to allow Stroud the opportunity in the 2023 NFL Draft.

“Man, believe in yourself. I was at a point where nobody believed in me, but I put my trust in God and my family,” Stroud said. “And what I did, I had discipline and just consistency. Man, you can do anything you put your mind to. I’m a living testimony that you can really do anything, because I come from nothing. So I’m blessed to be on this stage. To that little boy or little girl out there, man, you can do anything you put your mind to.”

So what are the Texans getting in Stroud, the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft?

The NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein wrote the following in evaluating Stroud as an NFL prospect:

“Two-year starter from a program with a high-octane offense known for creating high-level production opportunities for its quarterbacks. Stroud’s accuracy stands out on tape. He’s able to lead receivers with good placement and make on-frame throws to targets on all areas of the field. The question now is how quickly he will acclimate outside of the Ohio State scheme. Stroud didn’t often attack defenses with his legs, but if he can become a more willing runner, he will be able to extend drives rather than feeling forced into more challenging decision-making situations.

“NFL teams will have to balance what they saw on tape from Stroud during the 2022 regular season against his great College Football Playoff semifinal performance, when he shined versus Georgia’s impressive collection pro prospects. If he did it once he can do it again, and grading the flashes for Stroud might make the most sense.”