The Carolina Panthers made a major shakeup to the NFL Draft when they traded with the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 overall pick on Friday.
The move will allow the Panthers to have their pick of the top quarterback prospects available in the draft. Bettors believe that will be Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, who overtook Bryce Young as the favorite to hear his name called first shortly after news of the trade broke.
Josh McCown’s recent comments about Stroud might have had something to do with that movement.
McCown, the 16-year NFL quarterback who was hired last month to join Frank Reich’s staff as the Panthers’ quarterbacks coach, raved about Stroud during a film breakdown for Underdog Fantasy prior to his hire.
What newly appointed Carolina QB Coach Josh McCown thinks of C.J. Stroud.
The Panthers currently hold the 9th overall pick in the NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/GbZ66JLBqk
— Underdog Fantasy (@UnderdogFantasy) February 11, 2023
McCown broke down Stroud’s performance during Ohio State’s loss to Georgia in the Peach Bowl. While the Buckeyes came up one point short in the College Football Playoff semifinal, Stroud’s performance opened a lot of eyes, McCown included. He completed 23 of 34 passes for 348 yards and four touchdowns plus rushed for 34 yards.
“He made all kinds of plays, you see all the throws that you want to see,” McCown said. “You see him moving the football against the best. And I think when the scouts, when we get into the spring and they’re doing their due diligence looking at C.J. Stroud, this tape is going to be one that factors in to where they end up finally slotting him.”
In breaking down a few specific plays, McCown praises Stroud’s maturity, arm strength and pocket presence. He even compared Stroud to former No. 1 overall pick and current Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow.
“It’s a great tape,” McCown added. “It’s really fun to watch. I’m really impressed with C.J. Stroud and where he’s headed. He’s very well-coached. And I think the future’s bright with him.”
While McCown won’t have the final say in who the Panthers draft first overall, he will surely contribute to the decision. A report emerged Friday evening that the Panthers are deciding between “a couple guys they like.” Most seem to believe the decision will come down to Stroud or Young.
We will find out on April 27.
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Publish Date:2023-03-12 02:52:32
