Kyle

McCord

McCord (6’3/218) transferred to Syracuse for the 2024 season after spending the previous three seasons at Ohio State. The former five-star recruit started 12 games during the 2023 season after former teammate C.J. Stroud left for the NFL, throwing for 3,170-24-6, but opted to hit the transfer portal at the end of the season. In his one-year stint at Syracuse, McCord led the FBS in completions (391), pass attempts (592), and passing yards (4,779) and threw for 34 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His 12 picks led all ACC quarterbacks. McCord’s confidence in the pocket and ability to avoid pressure (44 sacks in 37 career games) are pluses to his game, as is his deep ball accuracy (52.6 deep ball completion percent 2023-2024), but his willingness to put the ball in danger has proven costly at times. Per PFF, McCord has a career turnover-worthy play rate of 3.6 percent. He also has a brutal five-interception game on his resumé that he posted last season in a game at Pitt, and his 24 turnover-worthy plays last season led all Power Five QBs. That said, his 36 big-time throws last season led all FBS quarterbacks. McCord is a feast or famine player who will provide plenty of big plays, but whether or not those plays can offset the mistakes in a less-forgiving NFL environment will likely determine his fate as a pro. His familiarity with a pro-style offense should help with his transition, but McCord would benefit from a redshirt year or two that will allow him to fine-tune his skills and improve on decision-making.

McCord is meeting with the Steelers on Monday. Per Schultz, the former Ohio State/Syracuse signal-caller has seen his draft stock rise in the months since the college season ended thanks to his prototypical size and impressive interviews. McCord led the nation in passing last season and could turn into a solid Day 2 value for several teams needing a quarterback outside of the top few picks in this year’s draft. McCord landing with the Giants would give him a chance to redshirt his rookie season to learn behind Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston before being let loose in his second year.

The Steelers are doing their due diligence on the quarterback class with Shedeur Sanders in town for a visit on Thursday. McCord will get his chance to speak with Mike Tomlin and company next week. Pittsburgh is widely expected to sign Aaron Rodgers, but the move doesn’t appear near the finish line, leaving the Steelers with only Mason Rudolph at quarterback right now. Even if they do land the plane with Rodgers, Pittsburgh should be looking to add a long-term plan at quarterback via the draft. McCord erupted at Syracuse last year for an FBS-leading 4,779 passing yards and 34 scores.