What are some pros and cons to the Carolina Panthers making quarterback C.J. Stroud the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft?
It's been a whirlwind tour around the country this week as the Carolina Panthers run the rule over quarterback prospects in contention to become the No. 1 overall selection. Those in power are leaving nothing to chance after sacrificing capital and wide receiver D.J. Moore for the privilege, which could be the spark that ignites the organization back into legitimate postseason contention.
Carolina kicked off their pro-day engagements by getting another look at C.J. Stroud. The former Ohio State sensation turned in a polished display to further enhance his credentials, which seemed to go down well with the Panthers' brass based on their body language once the session came to a conclusion.
Stroud has everything one looks for in a productive NFL quarterback. And in truth, there is no wrong answer between him and Bryce Young, who is also coming under serious consideration following an exceptional college career.
It's a tough choice, but a good spot to be in after years of quarterback purgatory. With this in mind, here are three pros and cons to the Panthers drafting Stroud at No. 1 overall.
Pro No. 1
Carolina Panthers would get a big-game performer
Darin Gantt, who works for the Carolina Panthers, put forward a notion regarding C.J. Stroud. If the quarterback hadn't turned in such an exceptional display against Georgia's generational defense in the college football playoffs, would he be in contention for the No. 1 overall pick?
The answer is yes. And at the end of the day, Stroud did put in a performance for the ages against the best team in college football.
Stroud is a big-game performer. A player that rises to the occasion when the spotlight is brightest, so to say he's in the discussion atop the draft because of one game is ignoring his outstanding consistency and performance levels throughout his time under center at Ohio State.
This can easily translate to the pros. It's also something Carolina's lacked at the quarterback position since Cam Newton was taking the league by storm.
Con No. 1
Carolina Panthers wouldn't get the better athlete
If there was one knock on C.J. Stroud, it's creativity. He is more of a stereotypical pocket passer rather than some that can conjure up magic out of nothing - which is exactly what makes Bryce Young so special.
This should come into the discussion. But it also needs some additional context.
Just because Stroud didn't elaborate much during his time as Ohio State's man under center, it doesn't mean he can't. His showing against Georgia proved this was possible when pressure comes against a defense loaded with first-round talent, but the player's processing and overall accuracy meant he could get things done from the pocket more often than not.
This will become more difficult in the NFL. The pass-rushers are bigger and more explosive, so trusting his legs when the reads aren't working out is the next challenge for Stroud looking at his college production.
Young is already at that level. His vision and pre-snap recognition is absolutely off the charts - which could be the deciding factor when push comes to shove.
There isn't a lot separating Stroud and Young. It's a good spot for the Panthers to be in and whichever signal-caller they go with is joining a franchise that has everything in place to succeed.
Stroud might not be a world-beater on the move yet. But writing off this area of his game entirely would be foolish.
Pro No. 2
Carolina Panthers get the best pure passer since Trevor Lawrence
C.J. Stroud is almost flawless as a quarterback prospect. He looks tailor-made for Frank Reich's new offensive system and considering the offensive line in front of him, the signal-caller has a great chance to hit the ground running right out of the gate.
The Carolina Panthers would also be getting the best pure passer to enter the league since Trevor Lawrence. Stroud's accuracy, poise, and ability to make every throw are transferable traits that can help enormously - something the organization has been craving at the position for years.
Bryce Young can also make every throw despite the obvious height and durability concerns. But the slight preference is for Stroud in this regard.
There is assured confidence when Stroud drops back in the pocket. His receivers know that if they get open, the ball will be on time and delivered to the right spot consistently, which is littered across the player's film over the last two years.
The speculation will continue to mount leading into the draft. Carolina won't show their hand until the last minute as they bask in the glory of attaining the No 1 pick, so the debate is going to rage on among a fanbase that appears split on who the right guy is.
Nobody would complain if Stroud was their choice. The same goes for Young given how closely the two prospects are matched.
There is no wrong route the Panthers could go unless those in power gamble on Anthony Richardson. Something that does appear unlikely all things considered.