As C.J. Stroud walked into the room for his press conference at the 2023 NFL draft on Thursday night, he paused before making his way to the stage.
The New York Jets were about to make the No. 15 overall pick, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba was still waiting to be drafted. Even after a reporter in the room told Stroud that the Jets were about to draft Iowa State edge rusher Will McDonald IV instead, Stroud wanted to see the pick for himself.
“C’mon Jax,” Stroud said before nodding in acknowledgment and proceeding to the stage after McDonald was announced as the selection.