Syracuse QB Kyle McCord has wasted no time making waves at this year’s Shrine Bowl, using the first two days of practice to show why he could be a valuable mid-round selection in this year’s NFL Draft.
Strong Senior Season
At 6’3", McCord has the prototypical size NFL teams look for in a pocket passer. But what really sets him apart is his arm talent. Once considered a fringe draft prospect at the start of the season, McCord has turned heads with his refined skill set, proving to be one of the most polished quarterbacks participating in the event.
McCord is coming off a career-best season, throwing for 4,700 yards and 34 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to consistently produce in a pass-heavy offense and also breaking the ACC single season passing yard record.
His journey to becoming a top Shrine Bowl participant was not without its challenges. After transferring from Ohio State, McCord thrived as the leader of Syracuse’s offense, demonstrating maturity, poise, and NFL-level traits that intrigued scouts to evaluate further.
Elite Arm Talent
Quick Release and Mechanics: McCord’s quick release and solid mechanics allows him to get the ball out quickly, which is critical in NFL offenses. His fundamentals are sound, making him one of the most mechanically consistent QBs in this draft class.
Deep Ball Mastery: One of McCord’s greatest strengths is his ability to throw a beautiful deep ball. He consistently delivers with touch and accuracy, placing the ball perfectly for receivers to make plays in stride. For what it’s worth, potentially the best spiral in his class.
Accurate at All Levels: Whether it’s a quick slant, a mid-range out, or a deep fade, McCord’s ball placement is excellent. He also has a knack for leading them for additional yards after the catch.
Football IQ and Command
One of the most impressive traits McCord has displayed on tape is his football intelligence.
Pre-Snap Adjustments: McCord has shown the ability to read defenses effectively and make pre-snap adjustments to exploit weaknesses. This trait, coupled with his accuracy, makes him a reliable game manager with the potential to execute complex NFL playbooks.
Leadership: From his time at Ohio State to his success at Syracuse, McCord has always commanded his offense with confidence and authority, earning the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.
Areas for Improvement
While McCord has plenty of strengths, there are areas scouts will closely monitor during the remainder of the Shrine Bowl and leading up to the draft:
Mobility: McCord is not a dual-threat quarterback, and his limited athleticism makes him less effective outside the pocket. While his pocket presence is solid, he lacks the escapability that many modern NFL teams prioritize in their QBs.
Progression Reads: McCord can occasionally lock onto his primary target, which sometimes causes him to miss easier completions to secondary options. Improving his ability to scan the field and go through progressions will be crucial to his long-term success.
Shrine Bowl Spotlight
The Shrine Bowl has already been a significant boost for McCord’s draft stock. In practice, he has showcased his ability to hit receivers in stride, throw with touch and velocity, and command an offense against high-level competition. With a strong performance in the Shrine Bowl game itself, McCord has the potential to rise even further on draft boards.
Draft Projection
McCord’s skill set and football IQ make him an appealing option for teams seeking a developmental quarterback in the mid-rounds. While he’s not as flashy as some of the top-tier QBs in this draft class, his combination of arm talent, accuracy, and leadership give him a high floor as a potential backup with starter upside in the right system.
If he continues to impress throughout the Shrine Bowl and pre-draft process, McCord could position himself as one of the biggest risers among quarterbacks in this year’s draft. Finding himself as a mid-round gem in this years NFL Draft.
Kommentit