A quarterback for Philly? How NFL experts graded Eagles’ selection of Kyle McCord in 6th round

Ryan OLeary

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A quarterback for Philly? How NFL experts graded Eagles’ selection of Kyle McCord in 6th round image

The Philadelphia Eagles stockpiled a number of fifth- and sixth-round dart throws for the 2025 NFL Draft, and one of their selections in Round 6 is sure to generate some intrigue.

With the 181st pick, the Eagles selected Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord, who transferred from Ohio State in 2024 and put up some monster numbers.

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McCord, in theory, could be viewed as competition for Tanner McKee, who entered draft weekend as Philly’s projected backup behind starter Jalen Hurts. Really, this is just smart business, as throwing darts at the quarterback position in Round 6 is never a bad idea — especially when you own four sixth-round selections, as the Eagles acquired in a variety of trades.

Why did Eagles draft a quarterback? Explaining Philly’s selection of Syracuse star Kyle McCord

At worst, McCord should be viewed as Philly’s potential QB3 with upside to be developed and flipped for a better draft pick down the road. The Eagles seem to have hit a bullseye with McKee, a former sixth-rounder himself, and McCord could be GM Howie Roseman’s next success story.

So should we love or hate the Eagles dipping back into the quarterback pool late on Day 3? Here’s how some of the experts graded McCord to Philly in real time:

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Expert grades for Kyle McCord to Eagles at pick No. 181 overall

Trapasso: “Cleveland traded up in front of Philadelphia and Browns general manager Andrew Berry's twin brother, Adam, to select Shedeur Sanders. Could that have been a potential landing spot for Sanders? The Eagles double back for quarterback help with a refreshed Kyle McCord, who played with a lot of confidence after transferring from Ohio State.”

Ostly: “Philadelphia already has three quarterbacks on the roster and McCord is unlike any of them. The Syracuse passer led the country in passing yards in 2024 and operates as a point guard who distributes the ball accurately and on time to his receivers. That could be a good fit as a long-term backup in Philadelphia behind Tanner McKee and Jalen Hurts.”

Sobleski: “Strengths: Operates offense efficiently, compact and quick release, pure pocket passer. Weaknesses: Not much of a playmaker, struggles when facing pressure, compounds mistakes by trying to do too much.”

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Ryan OLeary

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.