Scouting Profile: Kyle McCord - QB - Syracuse
Sales Pitch: Accurate rhythm quarterback with good processing skills. Physical tools of a long term backup but can take starting reps in a pinch.
*Gold Numbers Indicate NCAA T-25 for 2024*
*Red Numbers Indicate NCAA B-25 for 2024*
Scouting Report
Kyle McCord is a former 5-Star recruit from the state of Pennsylvania. He began his career at Ohio State starting 13 games over 3 years and receiving All-Big 10 honors in 2023. McCord transferred to Syracuse in 2024, where he was 2nd Team All-ACC after leading the country in yards and breaking the conference single season passing record.
McCord is a accurate rhythm thrower with a quick compact release. He is an experienced quarterback who takes control organizing his troops at the line of scrimmage. He does an excellent job of diagnosing pre-snap mismatches and getting the ball out on time. McCord is at his best in the quick game where he is accurate and decisive. He is a fast processor who works through his reads efficiently, and gets to the desired target on time from clean pockets and versus the blitz. He is adept at reading coverages and defenders’ leverage to get the ball to the ideal target and location. McCord is a safe thrower who rarely puts the ball in harms way. He throws with good anticipation over the middle to avoid dangerous throws and makes sure he misses away from danger. McCord spends most of his time as a dropback pocket passer with quick feet and poise when asked to climb the pocket.
McCord possesses an underwhelming physical profile for an NFL quarterback. He has average size with below average arm talent and athletic ability. He heavily relies on his mental skills as a passer, because he lacks the arm strength to push the ball into tight windows if he is late. McCord’s ball has poor velocity out of his hand, which causes his deep balls to fade and die. The delay in arrival time from his hand to target, allows defenders to get back into plays and can put his receivers in harms way over the middle of the field. Often McCord must choose between velocity or touch on a throw, making it difficult to access certain areas of the field that require a layered ball. McCord’s lack of athletic ability limits his creativity as a passer. He cannot eject from the pocket and extend plays on a consistent basis. Interior pressure causes him to fade and throw off his back foot, torpedoing longer developing concepts. When forced off his spot and out of the pocket, McCord’s decision making and throwing ability off platform is greatly diminished.
McCord profiles best in a timing offense that relies heavily on quick game throws. His lack luster tools create a lower ceiling, but his processing skills and accuracy give him a solid floor. McCord projects as an early Day-3 pick as a high end backup who can step in as a spot starter.