CJ Stroud explains his 'free-flowing' play style, why it's important as a team leader

CJ Stroud is one of the more unique prospects in this NFL Draft class when it comes to quarterback. He has the ideal height but also pairs that with high-level arm efficiency and talent that he put on display time and again in Columbus within Ohio State’s offense.

Now, with pro teams considering him as their franchise player, Stroud wants them to know they’re going to get both sides of him. They’re going to get a player who can air it out with confidence but also makes the right play when it’s there. Since he’s able to do both, Stroud also believes that will help make him an ideal leader for a team.

“For me, I try to describe my style as free-flowing but still disciplined. Still able to take a completion when it’s there but, at the same time, making plays,” Stroud said. “I like to be confident, really, in myself and another thing I like to do is extend plays. But take the routine plays when they’re routine.”

“I don’t try to press the envelope. And I think that’s important being a quarterback. You want to let your teammates know that you’re not always trying to be Superman,” said Stroud. “But when you need to be and you can make that play and extend that play? You get a lot more respect from your teammates. Those are just things I like to do.”

Stroud’s creativity, specifically within the pocket, is one of his greatest strengths. He showed it while he made play after play in the passing game as a Buckeye on his way to over 8,100 yards and 85 touchdowns.

Even so, he also wants teams to know he understands how to rein it in. The most important thing to him is getting the ball at the right spot at the right time. It doesn’t matter to him if it’s a big play or not. Pair that with his 69.1% completion rate and all Stroud says teams need to do to determine who he is is to turn on his tape.

“I think I’m a playmaker, I’m very creative. And I think I’m very smart when it comes to protections because I solve a lot of issues before they’re even there. That’s something I pride myself on,” Stroud stated. “One thing about me is I’m a ball placement specialist. I like to be very accurate. I don’t want my receivers to have to do really anything to catch the ball. And I think I’ve shown that time after time on film.”