Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud. Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

C.J. Stroud has a witty response to fan who wants him to get drafted by Lions

Despite solid performances turned in by quarterback Jared Goff, the Detroit Lions’ 1-4 start has some debating if the team should look for a new a franchise quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Ohio State quarterback and Heisman Trophy front-runner C.J. Stroud is one of the top QB prospects in next year’s draft, and during the Buckeyes’ 49-20 win over Michigan State, he had a witty response when a presumed Lions fan shouted at him to come to Detroit.

“It’s up to God,” Stroud responded.

Stroud leads a group of five QBs including Alabama’s Bryce Young, Kentucky’s Will Levis, Florida’s Anthony Richardson and Miami’s Tyler Van Dyke that have a first-round grade, according to ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.

The 6-foot-3 junior is tied for the NCAA-lead with 24 touchdown passes, and he ranks first in yards per completion (10.9), 10th in completion percentage (70.6) and 29th in passing yards (1,737).

Stroud had the third-most touchdown passes (44) and fifth-most passing yards (4,435) in the country last season.

The Lions, who have two first-round selections and would pick as high as No. 3 overall based off current league standings, could be in prime position to draft Goff’s successor with one of those selections.

Through five games, Goff has completed 111 of 186 passes (59.7 completion percentage) for 1,355 yards, 11 touchdowns, four interceptions and a 92.9 passer rating. He’s thrown the fifth-most touchdowns and averages the eighth-most passing yards per game (271).

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