“Boom-or-Bust”: Why Kyle McCord Could Be the Eagles’ Most Intriguing Draft Gamble Yet

The Philadelphia Eagles have never been shy about taking risks in the NFL Draft, but their Day 3 selection of quarterback Kyle McCord might be one of their most fascinating gambles yet.

A former five-star recruit, McCord’s college career was a rollercoaster. After transferring from Ohio State to Syracuse, he showed off his impressive arm talent, throwing for 3,492 yards and 24 touchdowns during the 2024 season. At 6’3″ and 215 pounds, McCord checks all the physical boxes NFL teams look for — size, arm strength, and the ability to push the ball downfield. But inconsistency, especially with decision-making under pressure, clouded his draft stock and made him a true “boom-or-bust” prospect.

The Eagles, led by GM Howie Roseman and head coach Nick Sirianni, saw enough potential to take a swing. McCord’s ability to make every throw on the field fits perfectly with Philadelphia’s aggressive offensive philosophy. His performance at the NFL Combine and Pro Day, where he flashed elite arm strength and solid mobility, helped convince scouts that he was worth the investment.

Still, questions remain. McCord’s pocket awareness and tendency to force risky throws into tight windows could limit his ceiling if not corrected. Development will be crucial — and that’s where the Eagles’ situation works in his favor. Learning behind Jalen Hurts and competing with Kenny Pickett for the backup job offers McCord a chance to refine his skills without the immediate pressure to start.

Analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. believe McCord landed in the right place: “The Eagles are betting on their coaching staff’s ability to clean up his flaws. If they succeed, they might have found a high-end backup or even a future starter for pennies on the dollar.”

For now, Kyle McCord represents potential — raw, risky, and wildly intriguing. If he puts it all together, Philadelphia could walk away with one of the biggest steals of the 2025 draft. If not, he’s still a low-cost swing worth taking.

Either way, Eagles fans will be watching this gamble very closely.