Ohio State's C.J. Stroud Makes Case For QB1 in 2023 NFL Draft

Stroud said that he is the top option at the position while on CBS Sports HQ’s “With the First Pick” podcast.

Ohio State Buckeyes redshirt sophomore quarterback C.J. Stroud joined CBS Sports HQ in Phoenix, Arizona during Super Bowl week to discuss the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, of which he will be a part.

The hosts of the show, senior draft expert Ryan Wilson and former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, took Stroud through a mock interview similar to what teams do to judge if a player would be a good fit for their organization.

One of the first questions Spielman asked was about Stroud’s leadership style, and how he commands the attention of his teammates in the locker room.

"There’s a time and place for getting on somebody when they’re not doing the right things, but I think first and foremost, the way you approach somebody, you take them to the side,” Stroud said. “That’s how I start off more of my leadership is trying to get to know guys, build that trust, build that off-the-field chemistry, everything that we need to do to be successful on the field. If yelling needs to be done then I feel like I’m that guy too, but I like to bring him out last.”

Stroud is joined in this year’s class by numerous high-quality quarterbacks from around the country, including Florida sophomore Anthony Richardson, Kentucky senior Will Levis, Jr., and Alabama junior Bryce Young, who won the Heisman Trophy back in 2021.

Spielman asked Stroud what set him apart from these other talented options, and why he should be chosen over them.

“First and foremost I think that I am a man of God and a man that has a great foundation with people behind them,” Stroud said. “I think I’m a difference maker, I think I’m a game changer and then I’m a go-getter so I mean those are all things that I think you want in your quarterback.”

Stroud ran for 34 yards in the 2023 Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl against No. 1 Georgia, which may not sound like a lot, but was crucial for extending plays and escaping sacks.

Wilson asked Stroud if this mobility was a one-time thing brought about by the Bulldog’s defense, or if it was resemblant of what his game would look like at the next level.

"I think a little bit of both,” Stroud said. “I think that was definitely a moment where I could show my athleticism, definitely something I think I can do more and definitely do in the next level.”

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