Eagles Film Review: Kyle McCord could eventually develop into a backup quarterback

With the 2025 NFL Draft over, it’s time for some film rooms on the Philadelphia Eagles’ rookie class. I will try to get to all 10 draft picks and the UDFAs over the next few weeks. Loads of scouting reports will say very similar things, so I have tried to include film clips to back up everything and I will talk about the player’s fit with the Eagles at the end of the piece. I managed to get the All22 for several rookies, but I can’t share those clips on my Twitter accounts (or I risk getting blocked), so I’ve used a few other accounts here. Let’s go!

You can check out my podcast feed here to hear more from me. I have a Patreon linked to my podcast if you want to support me further. Due to being unable to share All22 on Twitter, I am doing All22 watch-alongs on every Eagles’ rookie on the Patreon, which is really cool!

Previously: Jihaad Campbell / Andrew Mukuba / Ty Robinson / Mac McWilliams / Smael Mondon / Drew Kendall

It’s QB Factory time! Let’s go!

Strengths

+ He is accurate from the pocket when he has time to get the ball out on time. He is at his best when he plays on schedule and throws with timing and anticipation. He’s willing to fit throws into tight windows. He plays with no fear. He has big-time throws all over his film.

+ He can get the ball down the field and throws accurately outside the numbers. This is something the Eagles prioritize in their offense.

+ He’s got the old-school mentality of being willing to take a hit while throwing down the field. He will stand in and deliver with defenders closing in. He’s a gunslinger at heart.

+ He throws with excellent touch at times. He can layer the ball over the top of linebackers and understands how to give his receivers a fighting chance in one-on-one matchups.

+ Set single-season records at Syracuse in 2024, led FBS in completions and passing yards. McCord was a good college QB.

+ He looks the part as a thrower. I’m not a QB mechanics guy, but nothing terrible stands out. His footwork and release look very solid.

+ He doesn’t seem to let one or two bad plays impact him, and he will keep playing his game. I love the mentality, even if it can lead to a few disastrous games when you look at the stats sheet. The intangibles are there!

Weaknesses

– He’s not a very good athlete. He’s a statue under pressure who won’t be able to escape from the pocket or extend plays consistently.

– Despite being willing to stand in the pocket and deliver under pressure, his accuracy suffers when he is under pressure. Due to his inability to escape, he can force some throws when he knows pressure is coming. Just like this…

– He locks onto his primary reads too often and fails to move defenders with his eyes, which causes too many interceptions.

– He tends to force throws into tight windows (which is awesome at times) and his decision-making becomes questionable when under pressure. 12 interceptions in 2024 is a real worry.

– He has ‘good enough’ arm strength, but it’s nothing special. It’s average at best.

Overall

I have seen a few comments asking if Kyle McCord could eventually replace Tanner McKee as QB2, enabling the Eagles to trade McKee. My answer is no. I don’t think that makes sense. I remember watching Tanner McKee’s film after the draft and being incredibly excited. This is what I said about McKee post-draft in 2023!

However, after watching him, I sort of love the pick. I’m sorry. I can’t help it. I love these big old-fashioned pocket passers even if the NFL has passed them by. Five years ago, Tanner McKee is definitely an early-round pick. He can do so many things well. He throws with beautiful touch down the field, is pretty consistent with his ball placement, and can get through his progressions.

I enjoyed watching McCord, but he didn’t ‘pop’ like McKee did. McCord looks like a solid QB who does a number of things at a decent level. He just doesn’t have the arm talent that McKee does. McKee’s upside is higher because he’s a better thrower of the football.

I find it interesting that the Eagles seem to target either a mobile backup (Marcus Mariota, Dorian Thompson-Robinson) or an old-school pocket passer (Kenny Pickett, Tanner McKee, Kyle McCord). I am OK with having an immobile backup as long as they can play on time. I expect McCord to beat out DTR, despite DTR having a lot more mobility. DTR would help the Eagles’ running game out if he had to play, but he is technically miles behind McCord as a pure passer. I wouldn’t trust DTR if he had to play a game or two. I think McCord could do enough without wrecking the offense. However, he does have that gunslinger mentality, and you could absolutely see him throwing 4 interceptions in a game. I think McCord will beat out DTR and take the QB3 spot this year, based on what I have seen from both of them. However, if the Eagles do want a more mobile option at quarterback, then DTR is the obvious choice.

Overall, Kyle McCord is a timing-based pocket passer who excels within structure and struggles when outside of it. He has OK arm talent and throws with good touch and accuracy, but his limited athleticism, erratic play under pressure, and turnover risk create some risk at the next level. However, McCord isn’t someone who appears bothered by turnovers and is willing to throw into tight windows over and over. Give me an aggressive quarterback to develop, rather than one who only checks down. With the right environment and patience, he could eventually develop into the Eagles’ QB2 down the line, but he’ll likely begin his NFL journey competing for the QB3 position.

Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to comment below and ask any questions. If you enjoyed this piece, you can find more of my work and podcast here.