Top three draft fits for Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud

C.J. Stroud is one of the best quarterbacks in the 2023 draft class. He's the No. 3 prospect overall, per ESPN's Todd McShay, and several teams with a top-10 pick may want to select him on April 27.

Stroud proved he's worthy of a first-round selection since he flashed immense potential in three seasons at Ohio State, throwing the second-most TDs (85) in program history.
 
In advance of the draft, we've identified three teams that would be the best fit for Stroud as he enters the NFL.  

Tennessee Titans

In their all-QB mock draft, ESPN's Jordan Reid and Matt Miller predicted the Titans would move up to the No. 3 overall pick to select Stroud. Miller wrote, "It's a dream scenario for the Titans."
Ryan Tannehill has a 36-19 starting record in Tennessee, but his clock is ticking since he turns 35 before the season. Tanehill's backup Malik Willis, 23, struggled immensely in eight games. He threw zero TDs, three interceptions and posted a 12.4 QBR, well below the league average.

The Titans selecting Stroud is a great idea. He can learn under Tannehill or play immediately as a projected year-one starter, per NFL.com. He doesn't have to carry the offense solo either, because the Titans still have Pro Bowl running back Derrick Henry, who finished second in rushing yards (1,538) last season.

Indianapolis Colts

After the Colts released Matt Ryan, their No. 1 QB is Gardner Minshew. He's a solid backup but not a viable starter with an 8-16 record in four seasons. Therefore, Indianapolis should pick a QB at No. 4.

Stroud would pair well with WR Michael Pittman Jr., who caught the tenth-most receptions (99) in the NFL last season. Additionally, he gives first-year Indianapolis HC Shane Steichen a potential offensive centerpiece.
 
Under Steichen, a former Eagles OC, Jalen Hurts developed into an elite QB, posting the league's fourth-highest QBR (66.4) last season. Perhaps he could mold Stroud, a two-time Heisman Finalist, into a similar player.

Las Vegas Raiders 

The Raiders might have to trade up or hope Stroud slides to No. 7. Regardless, they must not pass on the QB if they can land him because he suits their offense.

"Stroud might be the best fit of all the QBs with Las Vegas head coach Josh McDaniels, as he can win in the pocket with his accuracy and ball placement," wrote Pro Football Focus' Marcus Mosher.
 
The Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo to a three-year, $72.75M deal. However, he's injury-prone, missing 31 games over the past five seasons. Backup QB Brian Hoyer has a 16-24 starting record, so having a talented, young QB like Stroud is a potential need.

Plus, he would benefit from playing with six-time Pro Bowl WR Davante Adams, the league leader in receiving TDs (14) last season.