Kyle McCord 2025 NFL Draft: Syracuse QB Scouting Report

In this loaded 2025 NFL Draft class, one quarterback you need to know is Kyle McCord. He’s a talented QB from Syracuse with impressive pocket presence and poise. Today, we’ll break down his NFL outlook with this in-depth scouting report. Additionally, we will be breaking down his strengths, areas for improvement, and his potential draft grade.

Kyle McCord 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report

McCord arrived at Syracuse in 2024 as a transfer from Ohio State, where he spent three seasons, including one as the full-time starter in 2023 (11-1 record, 3,170 yards, 24 TD, 6 INT). A former five-star recruit out of St. Joseph’s Prep, McCord showcased his pedigree by leading his high school to three consecutive state titles alongside future NFL star Marvin Harrison Jr. After a solid but unspectacular stint with the Buckeyes, he revitalized his stock in Syracuse’s pass-heavy offense under first-year head coach Fran Brown and offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon.

Furthermore, McCord’s 2024 campaign saw him shatter Deshaun Watson’s ACC single-season passing yardage record (4,779). Additionally, he led the Orange to a 10-3 record, capped by a Holiday Bowl win over Washington State (453 yards, 5 TD).

Overall, McCord profiles as a high-end backup with low-end starter potential in the NFL. His skill set aligns best with a West Coast or timing-based offense that emphasizes quick decisions and short-to-intermediate passing (e.g., Sean McVay’s Rams or Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers). He lacks the elite physical tools—arm strength or athleticism—to be a dynamic playmaker. However, his football IQ, quick release, and pocket toughness give him a floor as a reliable QB2. Success will hinge on landing with a strong supporting cast and a scheme that masks his limitations.

HT: 6030
WT: 218
HAND: 968
ARM: 3228
40: 4.73

Strengths

• Pocket Presence and Poise: McCord thrives as a pure pocket passer, displaying a calm demeanor under pressure. He consistently steps up into collapsing pockets, keeps his eyes downfield, and delivers throws with defenders closing in, showcasing notable toughness.
• Quick Release: His compact, whip-like throwing motion allows for rapid ball distribution, making him highly effective in timing-based offenses. This trait was evident in Syracuse’s spread attack, where he averaged 367.6 passing yards per game.
• Accuracy on Intermediate Routes: McCord excels at layering throws over linebackers and into tight windows between 10-20 yards. His ability to hit receivers in stride fueled big plays with targets like Oronde Gadsden Jr. and Jackson Meeks.
• Pre-Snap Intelligence: McCord is a cerebral quarterback with a strong grasp of defensive alignments and coverage schemes. His pre-snap reads often put Syracuse in advantageous positions, exploiting mismatches with precision.
• Deep Ball Touch: While not a consistent strength, McCord flashes the ability to drop accurate deep passes (20+ yards) with enough arc to allow receivers to run underneath, as seen in his five-touchdown Holiday Bowl performance.

Areas for Improvement

• Limited Arm Strength: McCord’s arm talent is functional but not elite. His velocity caps out at an average level, leading to underthrown deep balls and struggles driving the ball into tight windows against NFL-caliber defenders.
• First-Read Dependency: He frequently locks onto his primary target post-snap, limiting his progression through reads. This tendency contributed to his 12 interceptions in 2024, including a five-pick outing against Pittsburgh, where defenders jumped routes.
• Mobility Constraints: A statue in the pocket, McCord offers little as a rushing threat (-65 yards in 2024 & 2023). His lack of escapability will be magnified against faster, more complex NFL pass rushes, forcing reliance on pristine protection.
• Handling Pressure: While tough in the pocket, McCord’s mechanics falter under heavy duress. He tends to backpedal rather than climb, leading to errant throws or sacks (evidenced by his 2.5-second-plus release struggles against Pitt and Cal).
• Inconsistent Anticipation: McCord occasionally waits for receivers to break open rather than throwing with anticipation, a habit that could invite tighter coverage and turnovers at the next level.

Conclusion

Overall, McCord’s 2024 season at Syracuse was a revelation, transforming him from an Ohio State afterthought into a legitimate NFL prospect. His record-setting production and leadership in a 10-win campaign speak to his ability to execute a system at a high level. However, his physical limitations and occasional decision-making lapses temper expectations. For a team seeking a smart, poised quarterback to develop behind a veteran, McCord offers intriguing value in the middle rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.

McCord has some Gardner Minshew to him—a savvy, rhythm passer with a quick release and competitive streak, though lacking the physical ceiling of top-tier starters. Look for McCord to be a solid value in the later rounds of the highly anticipated 2025 NFL Draft.

Round Grade: 4th Round

Stats: Per Sports Reference

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