A few weeks ago after the Panthers took a leap from ninth overall to the first overall pick in this years upcoming draft, leaguewide rumors indicated that CJ Stroud would be the Panthers primary target. However, Bryce Young appears to have usurped Stroud, and the Ohio State product seems to be sliding down boards. While Ohio State seems to be cursed in terms of producing quarterbacks who produce at the next level (Justin Fields appearing to be the exception) there are multiple other reasons why Stroud is falling.
As many have seen Stroud play, draft fever has come strong making a case for Will Levis and especially Anthony Richardson. Many are often enamored with the unknown raw potential versus someone who they have seen produce at an NFL ready level. While dealing with pressure is a known weakness for Stroud, it has been over exaggerated in recent weeks so others can theorize about the other prospects going higher. A major reason why Stroud’s draft stock has seemed to be taking a hit, however, is due to the “rumors” going around about him.
In a recent interview Brady Quinn stated that he had “ghosted” the Manning Passing Academy which may leave some feeling he has character issues. There have been a number of people however who have come to Stroud’s defense claiming that he never in fact did commit to going in the first place. While this leads us to have these cancel each other out as hearsay, perhaps we can look a little closer to infer who putting this story out there can benefit.
Are the C.J. Stroud Rumors Legit?
The Benefactors
Using a smokescreen or throwing around “character concerns” to help tank a prospects draft stock to fall into the laps of teams is nothing new. We have seen this done in recent years with Laremy Tunsil, Josh Allen, and even as recent as 2021 with Justin Fields. When trying to read the tea leaves of who could be spinning this narrative, let’s explore who has the best motive.
Indianapolis Colts (4th Overall)
The biggest clue in the C.J. Stroud rumors is the Manning Passing Academy. While the story came from Quinn who has no connection with the Colts, gossip could be spread to create a narrative and help Stroud slide to them at fourth overall. While there is no question whether Carolina is taking a quarterback, Houston as of recent weeks remains in flux whether they will take a quarterback or edge rusher Will Anderson. If the Colts see a way, they can avoid their division rival ending up with a franchise quarterback they will take it and calling in a favor from the Manning’s isn’t out of the question.
Las Vegas Raiders (7th Overall)
Lying to and deceiving the opposition just has McDaniel’s name written all over it. While he currently has a couple of former Patriots as his quarterbacks, it’s not unrealistic he would want a successor waiting in the wings for when the time comes. Having the talent they do on the offensive side of the ball, they need to strike while the iron is hot. Jimmy Garoppolo is also very injury prone as a quarterback so while recent mocks have them shying away from a quarterback, it is well within the realm of possibility.
Atlanta Falcons (8th Overall)
For a team that was extremely close to landing Deshaun Watson last season, they have been unusually quiet, especially when another franchise quarterback became available in Lamar Jackson. They claim to be extremely committed to Desmond Ridder but this just feels too much like a smokescreen. They have made too many moves in the offseason to bet it all on a second-year player that frankly didn’t show much in his rookie season. The Falcons could absolutely be the team adding to the rumor mill to help achieve their goal of getting their guy.
Tennessee Titans (11th Overall)
The Titans look to be wanting to rebuild their team and one of the best ways to do so is to get a quarterback on a rookie deal. Again, they have double the motivation being that the Texans and Colts both need a quarterback as well and pick well before them. Recently thinking they would have to trade all the way up to third overall and settle for whomever the Texans didn’t take, they could now be trying to stir the pot of uncertainty and shape the draft to their benefit. Derrick Henry won’t be able to carry the load forever and they need to find an heir for Ryan Tannehill. Mike Vrabel could take a page out of the New England way to get what he wants.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (19th Overall)
An outside shot at best but one that is rooted in desperation. The Bucs sold their soul for a ring and a few years of Brady and now see the true cost of that. If they don’t find a quarterback to keep them competitive in a weak division, they could be looking at a rough next couple years and heads could roll. They also possibly want to make sure they don’t have to worry about the Falcons changing their mind on drafting a quarterback and having to face Stroud twice a year for the next decade.
Main Photo: Adam Cairns – USA Today Sports
