Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud may have fallen short in the College Football Playoff semifinal on Saturday night, but his performance against a tough Georgia Bulldogs defense had fans believing he has what it takes to become the next bright young star in the NFL After the game, Stroud’s 2023 NFL Draft odds spiked.
C.J. Stroud 2023 NFL Draft Odds
Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Bryce Young is still the favorite to be selected No. 1 overall, but Stroud is starting to gain some traction. FanDuel has Young (-115) over Stroud (+200) to be selected first in the 2023 NFL Draft. And the quarterbacks likely helped their draft stock with electric performances Saturday.
Young started for Alabama in the Sugar Bowl against the Kentucky Wildcats, risking injury despite the fact the Crimson Tide weren’t competing for a national title. Young trailed 10-0 early but quickly rallied before eventually winning 45-20. Young completed 15 of 21 passes for 321 yards and five touchdowns, showing an elite touch on several deep balls.
It was a successful performance in a likely sendoff for both Young and edge rusher Will Anderson, who also projects as a top-five NFL Draft pick.
“I want them to make the best business decision for themselves and their future,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said, per Yahoo Sports. “And if you’re going to be a high first‑round draft pick, the business decision has always been it’s probably best to go out for the draft unless you have some other reason that you don’t feel you’re ready to do that. Or there’s some other goal that you have in mind that you want to accomplish.”
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Stroud had the chance to match Young in the CFP semifinal game later in the day and did just that. He completed 23 of 34 passes for 348 yards and four touchdowns. Stroud’s performance had the Buckeyes positioned to pull off the upset for most of the game, but they came up just short when a would-be go-ahead 50-yard field goal was wide left with just seconds remaining. After Georgia prevailed 42-41, a dejected Stroud talked about his legendary performance in his last college game.
“I just tried to leave it all on the line,” Stroud said, via the New York Post. “Games like this, I’m at a loss for words. I left my heart out on that field.”
The Houston Texans currently hold the first overall pick and will likely be looking to select a quarterback given their current dynamic at the position.
After sports betting went legal in Ohio to kick off the new year, there are now several opportunities for residents looking to get some action on a Stroud 2023 NFL Draft bet, or any other wager. FanDuel is currently offering $100 for any Ohio user just for signing up!
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