Surprise pick at number one in this 2023 NFL mock draft

4. Indianapolis Colts: CJ Stroud, QB, Ohio State

The Indianapolis Colts have been trying to plug in has-beens at the quarterback position for the last few years.  They’ve brought in Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz, and last season, Matt Ryan.  All three have seen different levels of success in this league, but all three are well past their successful years.

Finally, the Colts get a young rookie quarterback in C.J. Stroud.  He has a good height at 6’3″ and weighs about 214 pounds.  Stroud saw outstanding success as a Buckeye, throwing for a total of 8,108 and 85 touchdowns.  Additionally, he was either first or second in the nation for his pass efficiency rating during his two seasons.

There are some concerns with Stroud’s escapability, which ten years ago, no one would have cared about.  He would have simply been labeled as a pocket passer and his escapability would not be a concern.  But in today’s NFL, where coaches and GMs are watching quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, and Patrick Mahomes running around the field making plays, everyone wants that on their team now.

One other concern, fair or not, is that Ohio State quarterbacks have not done well in the NFL.  The quarterbacks with the Buckeyes have been blessed with exceptional talent around them, including some impressive names at the wide receiver position, starting with NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, Garrett Wilson.  Not to mention others, such as Chris Olave, Parris Campbell, Michael Thomas, and Terry McLaurin.