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CJ Stroud Pro Day: Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer shares glowing reaction to Stroud’s workout
By Paul Harvey
Published:
CJ Stroud threw for NFL teams in attendance Wednesday during Ohio State’s Pro Day. While a lot of interested parties took in Stroud’s session, the Carolina Panthers were particularly tuned into the Pro Day.
After trading up to the No. 1 overall pick, the Panthers sent a solid contingent of representatives to Columbus to watch Stroud. That group included owners David and Nicole Tepper and GM Scott Fitterer.
Following Stroud’s session, Fitterer shared a glowing review of Stroud and his command on the field. Fitterer also shared some insight from a recent dinner with Stroud and claimed the QB is just as impressive off the field as he is performing on the field.
“Very likable. Really knows football. It’s not too big for him,” said Fitterer per Darin Gantt with Panthers.com. “He’s very comfortable being in that environment and being in command.
“We had a great two-and-a-half-hour dinner with him, really impressive off the field as he was on.”
CJ Stroud also shared his impression of the Panthers and said he had “a great conversation” with the organization’s leaders. That conversation wasn’t even so much about his abilities as a football player but was intended to get to know one another personally.
Outlook for the No. 1 overall pick?
While Fitterer and the Panthers were impressed by Stroud, the group is not going to be cornered into a decision ahead of April’s draft. He discussed how the team wants “to make the most informed decision” and said, “you can never have enough information.”
Stroud may not have locked up the No. 1 overall pick in the draft with the team still waiting to see the other top QBs in the draft. However, it sounds like the Buckeye star did everything in his power to prove he belongs as one of the top options in this year’s draft. Stroud remains the betting favorite to be selected No. 1 overall in this year’s draft per DraftKings.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.