Kyle McCord may not be the most talked-about quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, but his record-breaking season at Syracuse proves he deserves to be in the conversation as the third-best signal-caller in this class.
The 2025 NFL Draft features two clear-cut quarterbacks at the top in Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. However, the debate over who holds the No. 3 spot remains open, with names like Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart, Alabama’s Jalen Milroe, and Ohio State’s Will Howard entering the conversation. The real answer, however, should be Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord.
How Kyle McCord has helped his draft stock rise
McCord is coming off the best season of his career in his first year at Syracuse, setting school records for single-season passing yards, completions, and touchdowns. He led the nation with 4,799 passing yards while throwing 34 touchdowns and completing 66% of his passes. His standout performance earned him Second-Team All-ACC honors trailing only Cam Ward and a spot on NFL Mock’s All-Underrated Team.
McCord has several traits that translate well to the next level, starting with his accuracy. Despite frequently challenging defenses downfield, he maintained a 66% completion rate, showcasing his ability to deliver precise throws. His refined mechanics, polished footwork, and smooth throwing motion make him one of the most fundamentally sound quarterbacks in the draft according to BQA. Additionally, he processes defenses quickly, averaging just 2.4 seconds to release the ball, the fifth-fastest among FBS quarterbacks with at least 245 passing attempts, per Pro Football Focus.
Most Completions on 20+ Yards Throws from the 2024 Season:
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 12, 2025
🍊 Kyle McCord, Syracuse: 41@CuseFootball pic.twitter.com/96KoVKvbhE
Although McCord’s accuracy and mechanics stand out, his mobility remains a concern. He is not a dynamic runner and occasionally struggles to evade pressure, raising doubts about his ability to make off-platform throws. Additionally, his time at Ohio State was marked by inconsistency, and after failing to secure the starting job following the 2023 season, he transferred to Syracuse last off-season.
Kyle McCord draft grade
Despite these concerns, McCord’s breakout season has significantly improved his draft stock. Initially viewed as a fringe NFL prospect, he now carries a third-round grade and holds the No. 3 spot on my quarterback rankings. The Cleveland Browns and New York Jets have shown interest in him, and he could land with a team willing to let him develop as a backup before earning a starting role in the NFL.