The quarterback room for the Cleveland Browns currently consists of Kenny Pickett.
In the wise and immortal words of Porky Pig, “That’s all folks!” At least for now.
It is OK to joke about it now, as it is only the end of March. And the situation is clearly going to change in a few weeks when the Browns select a quarterback, or two, in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Cleveland is widely expected to take a quarterback with the No. 2 overall selection, but having another young arm on the roster may not be a bad idea, especially given that the remaining free agents or trade options are all brutal in their own way.
So, if general manager Andrew Berry decides to double dip come draft weekend, a name to listen for could be Kyle McCord from Syracuse.
Name: Kyle McCord
Position: Syracuse
Height/Weight: 6-foot-3, 218 pounds
College: Syracuse
2024 stats: 13 games, 66 percent completion rate, 4,779 passing yards, 34 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 148.8 quarterback rating
Career stats: 37 games, 66.2 percent completion rate, 8,555 passing yards, 61 passing touchdowns, 20 interceptions, 154.4 quarterback rating
Average “Big Board” Position as of Publishing Date fromMock Draft Database: 155th overall/fifth-round selection
The Draft Network’s Grade/Round Value: Day 3 - Scheme specific contributor
We got Kyle McCord on the white board when we talked to him back at Shrine Bowl, and he did not disappoint.
As far as day two QBs go that I feel confident will be in the league for a long time, McCord is the guy for me.
Full interview is live on the Bootleg Football channel. pic.twitter.com/9mTDf7dat2
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) March 22, 2025
What an Expert is Saying
Lance Zierlein at NFL.com:
Pocket passer with good size who played in a high-volume, pro-passing scheme that should give him a head start as a pro. McCord was too inconsistent at Ohio State, relative to the talent around him, but he proved to be confident and productive last season at Syracuse without that same level of supporting talent. His fundamentals are usually solid and he plays with adequate poise in the face of pressure. He has enough arm to make window throws and push the ball around the field. McCord seeks to attack coverages vertically instead of operating as a “Checkdown Charlie.” While he can hit chunk throws, his decision-making and ball placement aren’t always good fits for his gunslinger mentality. His mobility inside and outside the pocket is average. McCord has good size, adequate talent and commendable resilience. He could find a home as a backup quarterback with modest upside.
What an Expert is Saying (Bonus Round):
Ryan Fowler at The Draft Network:
Kyle McCord is a primary pocket passer whose experience in a pro-style attack and ability to win inside of structure should present the opportunity to compete for snaps at the NFL level. Classic throwback passer whose lone season at Syracuse saw him surpass Deshaun Watson (Clemson) for the most single-season passing yards in ACC history, totaling 5,044 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Footwork and overall fundamentals at the position are pro-ready, headlined by calm and quiet movements that maintain balance and sync well with route concepts. He does have more zip coiled up in his frame, however, where he can be an all-arm thrower at times, rather than generating his force from the ground up and extending through his follow-through as the ball releases off of his fingertips. His wrist, at times, looks stiff where he will push the football, instead of ripping it with confidence to create a tight spiral through the air.
Overall, McCord projects as a signal-caller who can thrive in a precision-based offense that emphasizes timing over pure arm talent. His football IQ and quick decision-making make him a candidate to develop into a starter, provided he is in a system that aligns with his strengths and compensates for his limitations.
Fit with the Browns
Cleveland needs someone to serve as the long-term backup, and McCord could fit that role. Head coach Kevin Stefanski has shown that he can get the most out of a quarterback, and having someone with a strong football IQ and experience in a pro-style offense could be appealing to the Browns on Day 3 of the draft.
Browns Player Drafting Could Impact
With Kenny Pickett the only quarterback currently on the roster, there is a high likelihood the Browns will add two quarterbacks in the draft. Plenty of empty seats in the room right now that need to be filled.
Priority: High. As in “turn it up to 11” levels of need at the position.
What are your thoughts on Kyle McCord? Join fellow Browns fans in the comment section below.