Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud declares for NFL Draft as experts predict he’ll be a top-five pick and bank $35million in his first contract
Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud declared for the NFL Draft Monday, instantly becoming a potential top-five pick in the eyes of experts.
Stroud, a 21-year-old junior, made his announcement on Twitter on the final day that players can declare for the April event. He joins a crowded quarterback class that includes former Heisman winner, Alabama‘s Bryce Young, and Kentucky signal caller Will Levis.
‘The process has been difficult, and the decision, one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make,’ Stroud in his statement. ‘As a kid, I dreamed of playing football at the highest level and after much prayer, I’ve made the decision that it’s time to turn those dreams into a reality.’
Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud declared for the NFL Draft Monday, instantly becoming a potential top-five pick in the eyes of experts
Stroud concluded his statement with a message for Ohio State fans, many of whom were holding out hope he’d return for his senior season: ‘This ain’t goodbye… Buckeye For Life!’
Provided Stroud is taken within the first five spots, he’ll be guaranteed $35 million in his first contract. NFL rookie contracts are predetermined by guidelines included in the collective-bargaining agreement, which took effect in 2011.
And why is Stroud considered a top-five talent?
After attending Rancho Cucamonga High School in California, Stroud was nearly unbeatable at Ohio State, going 21-4 as a starter while tossing for 85 touchdowns, just 12 interceptions, and setting 16 Buckeyes records.
He was at his best in the College Football Playoff semifinals against eventual national champion Georgia.
With Stroud’s four touchdowns and 348 passing yards, the Buckeyes were on the verge of upsetting the defending champions and preventing a repeat until a late field goal sailed wide, giving Georgia a 42-41 win.
Stroud, a 21-year-old junior, made his announcement on Twitter on the final day that players can declare for the April event
His only blemishes at Ohio State may have been his two losses to rival Michigan, which he addressed after falling to the Wolverines, 48-31, on November 26.
‘People are going to say I never won The Game, and I understand,’ Stroud said after the loss. ‘People are going to say I never won a Big Ten championship. I understand. When it comes to that, I just have to eat it.’
ESPN’s Todd McShay currently has Stroud going to the Detroit Lions with the fourth pick – behind Young at No. 1 to the Chicago Bears, but ahead of Levis to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 6 – while Pro Football Focus has him as the third quarterback chosen, going No. 7 to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The NFL Draft will be held in Kansas City from April 27 through April 29.
With Stroud’s four touchdowns and 348 passing yards, the Buckeyes were on the verge of upsetting the defending champions and preventing a repeat until a late field goal sailed wide, giving Georgia a 42-41 win