The Philadelphia Eagles added another arm to their quarterback room, selecting Syracuse’s Kyle McCord with the No. 181 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
A Philadelphia native and former St. Joseph’s Prep standout, McCord returns home to compete for a backup role behind Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts. He’ll battle with Tanner McKee, who impressed last preseason, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson, recently acquired from the Cleveland Browns.
General manager Howie Roseman has long envisioned the Eagles as a “quarterback factory,” developing talent for either their own use or future trade value. McCord fits the mold: a high-upside prospect who offers strong tools for grooming behind Hurts.
The 22-year-old McCord was a five-star recruit out of St. Joe’s, where he played alongside future star Marvin Harrison Jr. before heading to Ohio State. After backing up C.J. Stroud for two seasons, he won the Buckeyes’ starting job in 2023: throwing for 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.
However when his starting spot wasn’t guaranteed for 2024, McCord entered the transfer portal and skipped the Sugar Bowl.
At Syracuse McCord flourished: throwing for 4,779 yards, 34 touchdowns and 12 picks in a record-setting season. He finished with a bang, torching Washington State for 453 yards and five touchdowns in the Holiday Bowl and boosted his draft stock with a standout showing at the East-West Shrine Bowl.
At 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds McCord possesses solid arm strength, good anticipation and a willingness to absorb hits in the pocket. He compiled a 22-4 record as a college starter and isn’t afraid to push the ball downfield. However, he’s not a dynamic athlete. And rough outings, like a disastrous five-interception game against Pitt, highlight the developmental work ahead.
Born in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey. McCord now returns to the Philadelphia area, where he’ll have time to refine his game behind one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. For a sixth-round flier the Eagles hope McCord becomes valuable insurance, or possibly more, down the line.
