NFL analyst compares C.J. Stroud to Dak Prescott, Jared Goff combo

As the NFL draft draws nearer, teams must fine-tune their draft boards in preparation for the annual event. For a handful of NFL teams, the quarterback position is a top priority heading into the 2023 NFL Draft. One of the top prospects at the position is none other than Ohio States’ C.J. Stroud.

Stroud possesses a unique blend of size and skill at quarterback, which makes him one of the more highly sought-after players in the upcoming draft. But how would his game transition to the next level? More precisely, who does Stroud’s game most resemble in the NFL? According to NFL.com analytics expert Cynthia Frelund, the former Buckeye is a blend of the Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff and the Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott.

“Stroud has the pocket-first-but-run-when-necessary profile that exemplifies my model’s highest floor for QBs, based on how the game has evolved in recent seasons,” said Frelund. “PFF shows that, against the blitz in 2022, Stroud led the FBS in passer rating (133.2) and had the second-most passing TDs (21). His lower body movement calls to mind Prescott, as does the résumé of throws he made at the college level.

“Prescott claimed the 2016 Offensive Rookie of the Year award with an efficient debut campaign (67.8 percent completion rate, 23:4 TD-to-INT ratio, 104.9 passer rating), though it’s important to note that Prescott wasn’t asked to complete very many low-probability passes, given the incredible offensive line and exceptional running back in Dallas that season. Even if the supporting cast doesn’t compare wherever Stroud ends up, it would be prudent to avoid putting Stroud in hero ball situations.”

In his three years at Ohio State, Stroud proved he was an elite passer at the college level. Some try to hold it against him that with the Buckeyes, he played with some elite first-round caliber talent like Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marvin Harrison Jr. Still, numbers don’t lie and, in his two seasons as Ohio State’s QB1, he threw for just over 8,100 yards and 85 touchdowns on a 69.1% completion rate. Even with all those throws, he also only finished with 12 interceptions.

Best fit for Stroud

Not every destination is an ideal fit for young quarterbacks entering the league. Some will fare better with different coaches running different systems or within different cultures found within various locker rooms. For Stroud, Frelund sees his ideal fit as none other than the franchise currently holding the number one overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers.

“With Frank Reich as architect of the offense and Duce Staley creating the running-game opportunities, there’s a strong match between Stroud and the new Carolina regime. Furthermore, with the NFC South looking as fluid as it does in 2023, Stroud with the Panthers would be the most likely rookie QB to lead a team to the playoffs, as I see it.”