Big Board ranking: #23
Positional ranking: #3
Overview
Position: QB
College: Ohio State
Class: Sophomore (RS)
Age: 21
Measurables
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 214 lbs.
Arm length: 32 5/8″
Hand size: 10″
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: N/A
10-yard split: N/A
Vertical jump: N/A
Broad jump: N/A
Bench press: N/A
3-cone drill: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Strengths
Very quick release and clean passing mechanics when in rhythm. Great accuracy to all levels of the field. Throws darts and threads throws through coverage. Pinpoint precision passer with a small target area. Avoids interceptions with outstanding ball placement. Adds heat on out-breaking routes when needed. Very accurate on downfield passes outside the numbers. Throws a tight spiral and catchable ball in general. Hits underneath receivers on the move to allow for easy yards after the catch. Most throws are delivered between the numbers or on the facemask. Above-average throw power. Natural arm talent to deliver accurate strikes without stepping into throws. Willing to give his targets a chance to make plays downfield in single coverage. Technically sound on rollouts to square his shoulders for an accurate pass. Has quality speed to gain yardage as a runner when given space. Showed rare playmaking ability multiple times and played great in CFB Playoff loss to Georgia (2022).
Weaknesses
Prefers to see things rather than anticipating. Locks onto receivers and will have his eyes read more easily by NFL defenders. Pocket awareness and movement need improvement. Drifts backwards rather than stepping up. Slow reacting to blitzes. Absorbs too many sacks. Would like to see him take the checkdowns more. Accuracy falters when knocked off the spot in the pocket. Usually not an eager or physical runner.
NFL comparison
Andy Dalton
Conclusion
Overall, Stroud is a deadeye passer that can dice up opponents at every level of the field when at his best. He might need to speed up his process with windows closing quicker at the next level, but Stroud can be a franchise signal-caller in a quarterback-friendly system.