National outlet predicts Colts to land ideal fit for Shane Steichen in NFL Draft
It is anybody's guess who the Indianapolis Colts will draft in the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Fortunately, the world is just days away from having the answer to that very question. Seemingly all four of the top quarterback prospects have been linked to the Colts at one point or another leading up to […]
It is anybody's guess who the Indianapolis Colts will draft in the first-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Fortunately, the world is just days away from having the answer to that very question.
Seemingly all four of the top quarterback prospects have been linked to the Colts at one point or another leading up to the draft. ESPN analyst Matt Miller predicts the team rolling with CJ Stroud out of Ohio State at No. 4 overall.
"After being schooled in Ohio State's timing-based system, Stroud has the arm strength, toughness and mobility to fit the Shane Steichen offense," Miller wrote in his latest mock.
Stroud mostly operated from the pocket on the collegiate level. He rarely used his legs to hurt defenses, opting to win with his accuracy and arm. That said, he has flashed the ability to be dynamic out of the pocket.
His performance against Georgia was the biggest example of that. Miller points out that while the Ohio State product is not the rusher that Jalen Hurts is, he should still fit in well with Steichen.
"He isn't Jalen Hurts, whom Steichen worked with in Philly," Miller wrote,"but he is a solid mover in and out of the pocket and has the arm talent to make every throw.
The pressure is on for the Indianapolis Colts to get this pick right. Even if general manager Chris Ballard wants to act like he's not feeling it. Stroud seems like a safe option for Steichen and company to build the offense around.
"With the Colts backed into a corner, quarterback has to be the play in Round 1," wrote Miller. "One league source with knowledge of the Colts' thinking said they might ultimately flip picks with the Cardinals but that would be an "on-the-clock" move and not one that happens pre-draft."
It would be difficult for the Colts to pass on Stroud if he's still avaiable when it's time to make their pick. His success at Ohio State and potential fit in Shane Steichen's offense make him an ideal target for Indianapolis at No. 4 overall.
