Kyle McCord: The Philadelphia QB Set to Make Waves in the 2025 NFL Draft

The excitement is building as the NFL draft approaches this Thursday, and one name that’s buzzing in the Philadelphia area is Kyle McCord, a talented quarterback with deep local roots. Fans are eager to see where this rising star will land in the professional league.

Hailing from Mount Laurel, New Jersey, McCord made a name for himself at St. Joseph's Prep in Philadelphia, where he played a pivotal role in leading the team to multiple state championships. He shared the field with notable players like Marvin Harrison Jr., who is currently making waves with the Arizona Cardinals.

Football runs in McCord's family. His parents, Derek and Stacy, met while attending Rutgers University, where Derek played quarterback. This legacy of football excellence clearly influenced Kyle, who amassed nearly 7,000 passing yards during his time at The Prep.

Tim Roken, the head football coach at St. Joe's Prep, has praised McCord for his professional attitude towards the game. "He wanted to be coached," Roken remarked, highlighting McCord's dedication and willingness to learn.

After a stellar high school career, McCord, a five-star recruit, took his talents to Ohio State, where he played for three seasons before making the switch to Syracuse. The move to Syracuse was influenced by head coach Fran Brown, who shares a connection to Camden, New Jersey, making it a homecoming of sorts for McCord.

At Syracuse, McCord truly shined, setting career highs in several key statistical categories. He threw for an impressive 4,779 yards, breaking an Atlantic Coast Conference record, and recorded 34 touchdown passes with a completion percentage of 66%. His performance has certainly caught the attention of NFL scouts.

As the draft approaches, McCord is projected to be selected in the third or fourth round. Regardless of the round, any team that picks him up is getting a proven winner. His track record includes a remarkable 22-4 record as a starter, both at Ohio State and Syracuse.

According to CBS Sports, McCord is characterized as a strong-armed, pocket passer who may not be the most mobile quarterback but excels at making precise throws from the pocket. He possesses a unique quality known as "QB amnesia," which allows him to shake off mistakes and remain focused on the next play. While this trait can be beneficial, it sometimes leads to overly ambitious decisions on the field.

His arm strength is commendable, though not at an elite level. McCord has demonstrated the ability to throw with anticipation, particularly excelling in back-shoulder throws and seam routes, which he frequently targets. His overall accuracy is solid, but it may not be the standout feature that propels him to the next level.

However, McCord's mechanics can falter under pressure. He has a tendency to fade away from throws, even when not directly pressured, which can affect his performance. While he shows promise in pocket movement, his footwork can be a bit heavy. He is capable of progressing through reads, but he often holds onto his first option for too long, indicating that his ability to handle pressure is still developing.

With a strong offensive line in front of him, McCord has the potential to be an aggressive and confident passer, capable of stretching the field and keeping the offense in a constant state of attack. As the draft draws near, all eyes will be on this Philadelphia native, eager to see where his journey in professional football will take him next.