There's an argument to be made that C.J. Stroud is the best pure passer in this year's NFL Draft. He completed 69.3 percent of his college attempts, with 85 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions.
He's not mistake-prone, and ball security is something NFL teams look for in a quarterback. Although Stroud may not have the mobility of Bryce Young or the stature of Will Levis, his arm and vision alone can set him apart in this quarterback class.
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With three quarterback-needy teams picking in the top four at the moment, the question around Stroud is where he will land. Will he be the Panthers' pick at No. 1? The Texans' at No. 2? Or could he even end up with the Colts at No. 4?
At any of those places, odds are that he would be a Day 1 starter. Stroud has the tools that would make him a great fit with each of those teams. But there also drawbacks in him going to those franchises.
The Sporting News takes a look at some of Stroud's potential fits ahead of this year's draft, including what will work for him with those teams and what won't.
MORE: Tracking latest news, rumors for C.J. Stroud ahead of draft
C.J. Stroud best draft fits
Panthers
Why it works: The Panthers are looking like a better option for a young QB this year than they did in years past. Frank Reich is an excellent offensive mind who could help one unlock his potential. Stroud would immediately have a chance to shine with a team that is putting resources into getting better.
Stroud's pocket presence and ability to move would serve Reich's offensive philosophy well; it utilizes a lot of play-action and movement. Ohio State was happy to let Stroud be rooted in the pocket and move when he had to, but he got more mobile as his career went on.
Stroud clearly has the potential to be a No. 1 pick. If the Panthers moved up for him rather than expected top pick Bryce Young, it's because they saw that early.
Why it might not: The Panthers gave up a lot for the chance to land Stroud. D.J. Moore, who would have been his No. 1 receiver, was moved to the Bears in the deal for the pick. Miles Sanders and D.J. Chark are nice offseason adds, but they don't replicate Moore's production. The offensive line also might not be the best for Stroud. It needs to get better.
Despite the high praise surrounding Stroud during the early draft hype, it looks as if the Panthers are enamored with Young and Stroud's stock has steady declined as the draft has approached. A low score on Stroud's S2 may keep him out of the early picks. So while he could fit with Carolina, it appears increasingly unlikely that he'll be suiting up in blue and black.
MORE: C.J. Stroud NFL Draft scouting report
Texans
Why it works: The Texans landed one of the most coveted coaching candidates in the league in DeMeco Ryans after a year of Lovie Smith, so they're another clean-slate team.
Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik is another significant addition. Slowik had been with the 49ers since 2017, so he knows what a winning culture looks like. He was the passing game coordinator in 2022 and a part of the coaching machine that unlocked Brock Purdy.
Hopes are high for Houston this year. Ryans is hoping he has assembled a staff that can get the most out of its offense. But Stroud would have a lot of autonomy with a team that would build around him.
Why it might not: The Texans won't have a lot around Stroud right away if they pick him. Dameon Pierce is a three-down back who can make a big impact, but with Brandin Cooks being traded to the Cowboys, the receiving corps is looking light. If Stroud is drafted here, he's just the first piece of the puzzle for the Texans, and he's a corner piece at that.
MORE: NFL Draft rumors: C.J. Stroud may slide
Colts
Why it works: The Colts have been desperately searching for a QB for some time. They've gone from Philip Rivers to Carson Wentz to Matt Ryan. In Shane Steichen, they're getting a coach who knows how to usher quarterbacks into the NFL, and the Colts are looking for someone homegrown after those veterans failed them.
It's no secret the Colts are looking QB in this draft, and Stroud is one of the best options. Running back Jonathan Taylor immediately takes the weight off of a first-year starter, and the Colts have a decent offensive line relative to the other teams on this list.
The Colts want to win now, and like the Panthers, they'll be aggressive in giving Stroud players with whom he can work.
Why it might not: That obsession with winning is a double-edged sword. There would be a lot of pressure on Stroud from the jump, and not every NFL player handles that well. It's not that Stroud isn't capable; he's simply going to be inexperienced.
MORE: The best and worst fits for Will Levis ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
Lions
Why it works: How could it not?
There have been murmurs of Stroud potentially dropping in the draft, although those could easily just be smokescreens. If he falls to the Lions at No. 6, it would be an incredible situation for him.
Joining an offense that only got better as last year went on with Jared Goff, playing for a coach who knows how to get the most out of his players in Dan Campbell, and throwing to a receiving corps that is certainly the best on this list — Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams (once he returns from a gambling suspension) and Marvin Jones Jr. — would all be good for Stroud. But the chances of him falling here are low.
Why it might not: The Lions are the one team on this list that Stroud might not start for on Day 1. Goff has every right to battle for his job in training camp. If he were to win the job, struggle early and force Campbell's hand in going to Stroud, the pressure would be immense. And unlike with the Colts, it would come from the fans. Stroud almost certainly has the mental fortitude to handle it. But he would still experience growing pains.
