Tyriq McCord, OLB/DE, Miami: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Ross Woomer
Tyriq McCord isn’t your average defensive player. McCord played in all games his true freshman and sophomore years. His size allows him to be a penetrating force on the line against the rush and pass rush and his speed allows him to flex out and cover receivers and tight ends.
Miami took note of McCord’s strengths and played him at both defensive end and outside linebacker. Having the option to enter the draft after his junior year, McCord stayed at Miami for his senior season and recorded 34 total tackles and 3.5 sacks.
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Measurables
Height: 6′ 3
Weight: 236
Arm Length 34 in
Hand Size 9.75 in
40-yard dash: 4.76
Strengths
McCord is a versatile player who would fit well in a defense needing a stronger front four or a defense in need of a Sam or Will linebacker. His 110 total tackles at Miami show he’s a disturbance on the field no matter what position he’s playing. McCord has a best 40-yard dash time recorded at 4.5 seconds, which is a fast time for any player, let alone a man of his stature. McCord’s size and speed allow him to elude lineman and pressure the quarterback from behind. McCord has forced a number of critical turnovers at Miami.
Despite battling injury which cost him a few starts, McCord missed playing time in only one game throughout four years at Miami (@ Duke 10/31/15). This shows me that McCord is not only a productive player when he’s healthy but has the grit and pain tolerance potentially needed to surpass injuries at the professional level.
McCord recorded 82 total tackles his junior and senior years when he started 20 games. A contrast to only 28 total tackles his first two years when he started zero games.
Weaknesses
McCord’s multi-position game play can be looked at as a hindrance to his progression. Scouts may want a guy who has been evolving at one position while at college. Miami had depth within their defense which allowed McCord to rotate as both a defensive end and linebacker. McCord’s versatility may have worked at Miami, but learning to cover NFL talent requires routine practice dedicated to one position.
Team Fits
Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints
Final Thoughts
McCord’s stats dropped from his junior year to his senior year but he still made the big plays on tape. McCord is a durable player who has flexibility in regard to his position. Although he didn’t improve stat-wise his senior season, McCord gained additional reps and learned more about two different positions while a part of the Miami Hurricanes. We saw him stop the run, create turnovers and grab the quarterback.
McCord’s light weight makes him quick and maneuverable however he’ll need to bulk up slightly if he’s required to play on an NFL defensive line. Deciding to play from either the two or three-point stance might be McCord’s first big transition after being drafted into the NFL.