As the 2025 NFL Draft looms, the New York Giants find themselves at a crossroads. The need for a long-term solution at quarterback is clear, but reaching for one of this year’s top prospects—Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders—would be a costly mistake. Both are projects, not day-one NFL starters, and scouts widely agree they’re second-round talents benefiting from a weak quarterback class. Instead, the Giants should focus on filling critical needs with their early picks and target a high-upside, underappreciated quarterback in later rounds. Enter Kyle McCord, who excelled at Syracuse in 2024.
McCord’s Breakout Season at Syracuse
After transferring from Ohio State, Kyle McCord quickly became the centerpiece of Syracuse’s offense in 2024. Leading the Orange to an impressive 9-3 record, McCord showed significant growth as a quarterback and proved his ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment.
Statistical Highlights
Passing Yards: 3,775
Touchdowns: 33
Interceptions: 7
Completion Percentage: 67%
Yards Per Attempt: 8.7
McCord’s numbers reflect his well-rounded game. His 3,775 passing yards ranked among the top five quarterbacks in the ACC, and his 33 touchdown passes were second only to Caleb Williams. Perhaps most impressive was his efficiency—McCord’s 67% completion rate and 8.7 yards per attempt demonstrate his ability to read defenses and make accurate throws downfield.
Big-Game Performances
McCord didn’t just pad his stats against weaker opponents—he showed up in big games. Against Clemson, one of the top defenses in the ACC, McCord threw for 340 yards and three touchdowns, keeping Syracuse competitive in a narrow 31-27 loss. He followed that up with a 4-touchdown, 375-yard performance against Florida State, cementing his reputation as a quarterback who can rise to the occasion.
Poise Under Pressure
One of McCord’s most underrated traits is his ability to remain calm in the face of adversity. Syracuse’s offensive line struggled at times, allowing McCord to be sacked 28 times on the season. Despite this, he consistently delivered accurate throws under pressure, showcasing the type of mental toughness that translates well to the NFL.
Pro-Style Experience
Syracuse’s offense under McCord incorporated several pro-style concepts, including play-action, pre-snap motion, and vertical passing schemes. This experience gives McCord a leg up over many college quarterbacks, who often come from systems that don’t translate well to the NFL. His ability to execute timing-based throws and read defenses at a high level makes him an attractive developmental prospect.
Why McCord Is a Better Option Than Ward or Sanders
Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders may have more hype, but Kyle McCord’s production and polish suggest he could be just as good—if not better—with proper development.
Consistency: McCord’s decision-making is more reliable than Ward’s, whose struggles with pressure and mechanics have led to erratic play.
Proven Accuracy: McCord’s 67% completion rate outshines Sanders, who has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks the same level of precision.
Draft Value: Unlike Ward and Sanders, who will likely go in the top three picks, McCord can be secured in the third round, allowing the Giants to address other needs first.
How the Giants Can Build Around McCord
If the Giants select McCord in the third round, they’ll have the opportunity to develop him at a reasonable pace while addressing other roster holes with their earlier picks. For example:
First Round: Select a cornerstone offensive lineman or a lockdown cornerback to immediately improve the roster.
Second Round: Add depth at wide receiver, linebacker, or defensive tackle to strengthen the team’s foundation.
Third Round: Draft McCord, giving the team a high-upside quarterback prospect without the pressure of being a top pick.
McCord’s skill set makes him an ideal candidate to sit behind a veteran quarterback for a season or two, learning the nuances of the NFL while refining his game. With proper coaching and a solid supporting cast, he has the tools to develop into a reliable NFL starter.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 quarterback class is not strong enough to justify taking Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders in the top three picks. Both are projects who will require significant development, and the Giants have too many other pressing needs to take such a gamble.
Kyle McCord, on the other hand, offers the Giants a smart, cost-effective solution. His breakout season at Syracuse demonstrated his poise, accuracy, and ability to perform in big moments. By waiting until the third round to draft McCord, the Giants can address their more immediate needs in the early rounds while still securing a quarterback with significant upside.
Patience and strategy are key to turning the Giants around, and targeting McCord could be the move that sets the franchise on the right path. It’s time for the Giants’ front office to think long-term and make the smart play.
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