Eagles Use No. 181 On QB Kyle McCord

The Eagles traded Kenny Pickett to the Browns, clearing the way for Tanner McKee to become Jalen Hurts‘ backup, but the defending champs are adding another option in the sixth round.

Syracuse’s Kyle McCord is heading to Philly as the seventh quarterback off the board in 2025. The Ohio State transfer posted an ACC-record 4,779 passing yards, leading the NCAA, and set a Syracuse record with 34 TD passes during his one season in central New York. While the Eagles acquired Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the Pickett trade, the struggling UCLA alum now has competition for a roster spot.

Originally from a New Jersey city just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, McCord returns home after stops at Columbus and Syracuse. The main reason McCord failed to warrant the draft stock of the other passers with lesser passing numbers in this year’s class was a lack of athleticism. With a slow release, lack of improvisational ability, and statuesque qualities in the pocket, McCord could struggle with the increased pass rushing pressure from NFL defenses.

Though, he works best when throwing to programmed routes, his pre-snap analyses and diagnoses are top-notch. In terms of throwing talent, McCord doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he anticipates his throws well and puts the ball just where his receivers need them. He’s been lauded for his prep work off the field, which bodes well for a role as a backup quarterback to start his career.

Back home in Philly, McCord will compete with McKee and Thompson-Robinson for a backup role on the roster. Thompson-Robinson’s mobility fits better in the Eagles’ scheme as a potential replacement for Hurts, but McKee has his experience with the team over the last two years as his advantage. McCord will likely have to come in and try to show more worth than one of these two backups if he wants to make the roster as a rookie.

Ely Allen contributed to this post.