The superlatives you might need to describe Kyle McCord could be – “Hall of Famer,” “best quarterback in the draft,” and the “next Tom Brady” — at least for Monday. He didn’t need a viral moment or a flashy trick throw to turn heads at Syracuse Orange’s Pro Day. The former Ohio State QB stepped onto the turf at Ensley Athletic Center with the kind of quiet confidence that comes from knowing the work has already been done. Scouts watched. Teammates hyped him up. And as the session wrapped up, McCord dropped a three-word statement that left the room buzzing. Simple, direct, and exactly the kind of response you’d expect from someone betting on himself.
Kyle McCord’s half-hour-long throwing session was surgical. He worked through the script methodically, starting with short curls and flats before ramping up to deeper throws. His footwork looked sharp, his mechanics smooth. He didn’t just throw with power—he threw with placement, leading his receivers and making sure every ball had the right touch. Oronde Gadsden II, Maximilian Mang, and Jackson Meeks all played their part, but the highlight of the workout came when McCord uncorked a deep ball down the right sideline to Trebor Pena, who wasn’t even officially participating in Pro Day. The pass was a beauty, lofted just enough to drop in perfectly in stride. One throw was slightly off-target, but McCord shook it off with a grin. He knows his tape speaks louder than any single rep.
And that’s exactly the point he drove home afterward. When asked what separates him from the other quarterbacks in this draft class, Kyle McCord didn’t hesitate. “Watch the tape,” he said in the post-presser. That was his three-word mic drop. But he expanded on the thought, making his case as a winner at every level. “I think, one, I’ve won everywhere I’ve went. Won in high school, won in college. And I think just the jump that I made from year one to year two as a starter, I don’t think there is another quarterback or player in the country that made that type of improvement.” He’s not wrong. His second season as a starter showed clear progression in decision-making, accuracy, and overall command of the offense. But the real challenge? Keeping that trajectory moving upward in the NFL.
Kyle McCord on what he brings to an NFL team:
“Watch the tape.”
“I’ve won everywhere…the jump that I made from Year One to Year Two as a starter, I don’t think there’s another quarterback in the country that made that type of improvement.” pic.twitter.com/9dYJrTNIMX
— Ashley Wenskoski (@AshleyWenskTV) March 17, 2025
The league is noticing. McCord’s draft stock has steadily climbed since December, rising from the 239th-ranked prospect to 143rd, per NFL Mock Draft Database. The Athletic’s latest mock has him going in the fifth round, possibly landing with the New York Jets—a team that just made a move for another former OSU passer who the Cuse QB1 would be familiar with in Justin Fields. It’s an interesting scenario. McCord backing up Fields would not only reunite two former Buckeyes but also put Kyle McCord in a system where he could develop under a coaching staff eager to rebuild its QB room.
The Jets need stability at the position, and while McCord isn’t stepping in as a franchise savior, he could be a valuable insurance policy with room to grow. His Pro Day emphasized exactly what NFL teams wanted to see—his ability to operate under center, his movement in the pocket, and his natural throwing talent. Former NFL quarterback and trainer Jordan Palmer led the session, ensuring McCord showcased the skills that translate to the next level.
There’s always skepticism around quarterbacks transitioning from a high-powered college offense to the NFL, but McCord’s approach suggests he’s already working through those adjustments.
McCord didn’t need to be the loudest guy in the room at Pro Day. His game and his receivers spoke for itself.
Cuse route-runners have enough to give Kyle McCord his ‘Gold Jacket’ already
It only took one throwing session for the buzz around Kyle McCord to hit a whole new level. What started as a solid third-round projection has now turned into the talk of Canton. Seriously.
“He might have a gold jacket,” wide receiver Meeks said, referring to McCord’s Hall of Fame potential. “For real, though. If the right team gives him the right opportunity, man, he could have a gold jacket.” Of course, McCord isn’t letting the hype get to him. He’s staying humble and focused on what’s ahead. “I tell them to slow your roll,” McCord responded. “I got to get drafted first and get on a roster.”
The former Syracuse quarterback was the main attraction at Syracuse’s Pro Day on Monday, following up his strong NFL Combine performance with another lights-out display. He zipped passes effortlessly, hitting his receivers in stride, looking every bit the part of an NFL-ready signal-caller.
Defensive back Alijah Clark didn’t hold back his thoughts, either. “He’s going to be the best quarterback in the NFL,” Clark declared. “I told the scouts over there, ‘You better hurry up and draft him. That’s going to help your job. They’re going to think you know something.’”
Could McCord rise from a Day 2 prospect to a franchise QB? His teammates sure think so. The hype train has officially left the station.
The post Kyle McCord’s 3-Word Message Turns Heads as Syracuse Pro Day Potentially Sets Him Up for Ex-OSU QB’s Backup appeared first on EssentiallySports.
