4 major observations the Panthers can take from C.J. Stroud's pro day

What major observations should the Carolina Panthers take from C.J. Stroud's pro day at Ohio State ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft?

All eyes turned to Ohio State's pro day on Wednesday as the Carolina Panthers got another look at the quarterback that could become their No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. C.J. Stroud was the star attraction for obvious reasons, with many projecting him to be the perfect fit for head coach Frank Reich's system despite the obvious temptation to take Bryce Young instead. 

Stroud put together an outstanding college career with the Buckeyes. He has the prototypical height and accuracy Reich normally loves in his quarterbacks, although he was keen to state during his latest press availability that size won't factor much into their thought process before coming to an eventual conclusion. 

The level of excitement among fans is palpable. Carolina's daring trade with the Chicago Bears to control the draft was the most aggressive move imaginable, but picking the right quarterback is the next tough challenge - one that will define Scott Fitterer's tenure as general manager. 

With that being said, here are four major observations the Panthers can take from Stroud's pro day. 

Major Observation No. 1

Carolina Panthers sent a small army to meet C.J. Stroud

This is going to be a thorough process for the Carolina Panthers. They sent a small army to meet C.J. Stroud before, during, and after his workout, which is likely to be the same formula with all four top quarterback prospects throughout the pro day cycle. 

According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, the Panthers met with Stroud on Tuesday evening before his pro day and will also bring him to Charlotte for a top-30 visit. David and Nicole Tepper were also in attendance, so it's not hard to see how highly thought of the signal-caller is within the building despite others set to stake their claim in the coming days.

Carolina Panthers saw poise from C.J. Stroud

It was a whos who of front office figures, coaches, and scouts from around the NFL. Ohio State churns out more than its fair share of talented prospects every year, but there was an extra level of excitement due to the presence of quarterback C.J. Stroud. 

While this was a structured environment, the pressure was on Stroud with the NFL world watching. Considering the amount of Carolina Panthers personnel in attendance, every rep mattered in pursuit of becoming the No. 1 overall selection.

This didn't bother Stroud all that much. Nothing seems to phase the signal-caller despite his tender age, which is exactly the sort of demeanor normally associated with productive quarterbacks at the next level. 

If there was one trait that sets Stroud and Bryce Young apart from the rest, it's poise. They don't just rise to the big occasion, it brings the best out of them and the higher the stakes, the better they seem to perform. 

Stroud seemed to enjoy himself and looked comfortable with the spotlight glaring. Something that also comes across on tape - the kid just loves to play football. 

This level of calmness to focus on the task at hand transitions over to Stroud's teammates. It was all smiles between the prospect and Carolina's brass after the workout, which only adds to the speculation he'll be their guy.

Carolina Panthers saw NFL-caliber throws from C.J. Stroud

In terms of pure passing, C.J. Stroud sits atop the 2023 NFL Draft class. Something that was on full display at Ohio State's pro day during a largely accurate display of quarterback distribution. 

There were a couple of drops and Stroud missed one or two throws going to his left, but the signal-caller displayed exceptional velocity at all three levels of the field. He also made plenty of NFL-caliber throws that won't have gone unnoticed by those in attendance. 

The deep ball power was there, his sideline throws caught the eye, and there was also a lot to like about his ability to distribute effectively on the run. Stroud couldn't have done much more and again, this showcase further adds to what the prospect put out on film during his outstanding college career with the Buckeyes. 

While the inconsistency going to his left was a slight concern, it's nothing to get carried away about. Stroud takes on coaching well and his game day production indicates this won't be an issue, so it's all systems go for the prospect if he lands in the right fit. 

Carolina certainly represents that after their relentless pursuit of an all-star coaching staff under Frank Reich this offseason. Whether Stroud will be the pick at No. 1 overall or not has yet to be determined. 

Carolina Panthers seemed smitten with C.J. Stroud

The Carolina Panthers have been keen not to show their hand too early. But it wasn't hard to see how happy they were with the way C.J. Stroud applied and handled himself throughout his pro-day circus.

One could even suggest the Panthers personnel in attendance were smitten with Stroud. So it'll be interesting to see their respective reactions with the other three quarterback prospects in contention for the top pick later this week.

There is significant momentum building around Stroud, who has the build normally deployed by Frank Reich at the quarterback position and has the skill set to match. Passing on Bryce Young and his magician-like capabilities is a big call to make, so those in power must be convinced it's the right thing to do before coming to a formal conclusion.

Mutual interest is evident based on the body language after Stroud's throwing clinic ended. That's just a small part of their overall thought process, but an important one nonetheless. 

Stroud didn't hurt his chances in the slightest during the pro day. He'll get another chance to wow Carolina's top men at the top-30 meeting they've scheduled before the draft, which could be the final piece to the puzzle in pursuit of winning them over. 

Next up is Young on Thursday - Stroud's main challenger for the first name to be called.