Scout's analysis: Strengths, weaknesses of Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud

Drae Harris played collegiately at California and worked in NFL scouting departments for the Cardinals, Chiefs and Browns. (Go here for all Harris' scouting reports.)

A two-year starter at Ohio State, C.J. Stroud led head coach Ryan Day's high-powered, innovative offense, throwing for 85 TDs and 8,123 yards. 

Strengths: Stroud has good size (6-foot-3 and 218 pounds) and toughness to stand tall in the pocket while facing pressure. He benefited from having dynamic weapons on the perimeter -- including first-round NFL picks Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave -- and demonstrates good accuracy in the intermediate to deep areas of the field. 

Stroud can identify pressure in a pre-snap read and adjust the protection accordingly. He has outstanding mobility in and out of the pocket but seems to prefer playing from the pocket. His ability to extend plays and passing accuracy are underrated aspects of his game. 

When Stroud sets his feet in a clean pocket, he generates good velocity and throws with good anticipation. He has strong understanding of “situational football” relative to time and score in critical moments of the game.

Weaknesses: With regards to technique and mechanics, he must continue to improve his pocket presence by feeling the rush and keeping his eyes down field. He needs to be more consistent at keeping both hands on the ball in the pocket. Also, by raising his release point, he can speed up his operation and increase his accuracy.

He needs to continue to develop the ability to move defenders with his eyes while still getting to his primary or secondary reads. 

Conclusion: Teams will watch the College Football Playoff semifinal loss to Georgia and be enamored with Stroud's combination of physical tools and athletic profile. Against the Bulldogs, Stroud had a stellar game (23-for-34 for 348 yards) against NFL-caliber players.

Although there may be questions regarding who’s mostly responsible for the success of Day's offense -- scheme, dynamic weapons on the perimeter or the QB -- the answer is likely a combination of the three.

Some evaluators will also mention Ohio State quarterbacks whose collegiate success didn't translate to the NFL (Cardale Jones, Dwayne Haskins). But if you allow the traits, skill set and overall makeup of this player to guide you, you’ll understand the excitement surrounding his potential.

 What others say: ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr.: "C.J. Stroud could end up being the first quarterback off the board."

Pro Football Focus: "He might struggle early on in his professional career, especially going to a weaker team, so it’ll definitely be a challenge not having the best receivers and offensive line at his disposal."

Player comp: Deshaun Watson, Browns

Round prediction: First