Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback C.J. Stroud. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

C.J. Stroud reveals which NFL WR he wants to team up with

By Colum Dell | Last updated 2/14/23

Former Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud expects to hear his name called early in the 2023 NFL Draft, and the 21-year-old might have revealed his preferred destination.

Boardroom posted a TikTok of Stroud discussing which wide receiver he'd wish to team up with in the NFL.

Stroud didn't want to "stir up the pot," so he first mentioned a retired receiver he'd choose, former All-Pro Chad Johnson. As for the current receiver that he'd like to join forces with, Stroud didn't say the superstar's name but dropped a telling hint.

"If you know anything about who Ochocinco loves, that'll give you your answer," said Stroud. "So, if you watch Ochocinco, [you know] who his favorite route runner is in the league. That's who I would like to throw to."

In 2019, Adams sent his practice film to Johnson, who tweeted an emotional response to what he watched. Johnson has reiterated on numerous occasions after his video how highly he thinks of Adams, even crowning him the best WR in the NFL in his eyes.

Davante Adams' route running really brought Chad Johnson to tears

(via @ochocinco) pic.twitter.com/rdqocWV3UX
— ESPN (@espn) August 29, 2019

Despite Las Vegas' difficulties this season (6-11), Adams excelled as usual, recording 1,516 yards and a league-leading 14 receiving touchdowns. He was named a Pro Bowler for the sixth time in his career and earned first-team All-Pro honors for the third time.

The Raiders hold the seventh overall pick in the draft and have a hole to fill at QB, as Derek Carr was released Tuesday. Stroud, a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, likely won't fall into their lap.

ESPN's Mel Kiper has Stroud heading to Houston with the No. 2 overall pick as the first QB off the board in his latest mock. As a redshirt sophomore this season, Stroud threw for 3,688 yards, 41 TDs (second most in FBS), and six interceptions, completing 66.3% of his passes.

There's also no guarantee that the Raiders will draft a QB, though they should strongly consider it.

Adams and Raiders TE Darren Waller have campaigned for Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers to come to Las Vegas. Considering the potential cost of acquiring Rodgers, trading up for Stroud would be a better use of assets. Rodgers will turn 40 next season and have a significant cap hit.

On Feb. 26, players will begin arriving in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. Stroud will have another opportunity to convince the Raiders that he should throw to Adams next season and beyond.

The 2023 NFL Draft, hosted in Kansas City, starts on April 27.

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