Over 100 members representing 30 NFL teams filled into the Ohio State training center to watch the Buckeyes’ pro day workout. A bulk of the crowd, including 11 members of the Carolina Panthers, was there to watch potential No. 1 overall pick, quarterback C.J. Stroud.
When the owner shows up at a pro day, it’s certainly notable. Panthers owner David Tepper led his Carolina contingent into Columbus. It’s the latest tea leaf to point to Stroud being who the Panthers are targeting after moving up from No. 9 overall to the top spot in a trade with the Chicago Bears.
Stroud performed well. Reports from the scene indicate he completed nearly all of his passes and looked sharp on the deep ball.
Stroud wasn’t the only Buckeye working out. Two other Ohio State players solidified their first-round draft stock at the pro day.
Offensive tackle Paris Johnson is a player often projected to the Bears with that No. 9 pick. Head coach Matt Eberflus was among those watching Johnson, who has experience playing both RT and LT, work out. He’s a very impressive athlete with length and power on the edge.
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba worked out as well. He ran the 40-yard dash in a range between 4.48 and 4.53, which is fast but not blazing. He looked plenty fast on this rep from Stroud:
CJ Stroud with beautiful deep ball to Jaxon Smith-Njigba at OSU Pro Day #NFLNetwork #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/qgTOaAbW3N
— Cody Winstead (@CodyWins25) March 22, 2023
EDGE Zach Harrison also attracted attention from several head coaches, including Seattle’s Pete Carroll and Dennis Allen of the Saints. Harrison is expected to be a Day 2 pick.
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