Syracuse, N.Y. — With the NFL draft a week away, Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord has been called the “sleeper pick” of the entire draft by a leading national sports commentator.
“He’s shown he can guide and manage a hyper-talented roster [at Ohio State] … and he’s shown that he can carry a franchise [Syracuse] to new heights. I think he’s the sleeper in the draft,” FOX Sports’ Colin Cowherd recently said on “The Herd.”
NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported McCord met with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday and the New York Giants on Tuesday.
Schultz added several teams he’s spoken with have said McCord is “one of the more undervalued players in the entire draft,” highlighting his prototypical size, winning pedigree and capacity to read coverage.
McCord came to Syracuse before the 2024 season as a transfer from Ohio State. He ended up leading the nation in passing and spearheading Syracuse’s 10-win season under first-year head coach Fran Brown.
Syracuse Orange quarterback Kyle McCord (6) is named offensive MVP after Syracuse defeated the Washington State Cougars in the Holiday Bowl at Snapdragon Stadium Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, in San Diego, CA.
(Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com)
Scott Schild | sschild@syracuse.com
During his one-year stint with the Orange, he set numerous Syracuse football records, including single-season passing yards, completions and touchdowns. He also set the ACC record for single-season completions and passing yards, breaking Deshaun Watson’s ACC single-season passing yards record.
Former NFL QB and current XFL Director of Quarterback Development Jordan Palmer believes McCord will be among the top quarterbacks selected in this spring’s draft, according to The Athletic.
McCord trained with Palmer last year in between his seasons with Ohio State and Syracuse. Palmer has worked with many high-profile QBs such as Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes.
After working with McCord, Palmer said that he “is quickly becoming one of the most athletic guys I’ve ever worked with.”
McCord is projected to be a Day 2 or 3 pick, potentially going somewhere between the third and fifth rounds of the draft.
But with team visits this week and more eyes on him, to Cowherd, the “sleeper” QB could be a “top of the second rounder.”
“I think Kyle McCord and Shedeur Sanders, I think it’s a coin flip,” Cowherd said.
“Cam Ward over [McCord], I get. … I think this kid has a chance to be the second-best quarterback in the draft.”
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