The quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes has an unexpected NFL Draft prediction.

The Quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes Has an Unexpected NFL Draft Prediction

The Ohio State Buckeyes have long been known for producing elite quarterbacks who excel both in college football and beyond in the NFL. From Art Schlichter to Joe Germaine to Troy Smith, and more recently Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud, the Buckeyes have cultivated a reputation for churning out quarterbacks capable of leading successful careers. With Ohio State consistently fielding top-tier teams, the quarterback position has remained a key position of focus.

However, the prediction surrounding the current quarterback for Ohio State, Kyle McCord, has taken an unexpected turn, creating a buzz that no one anticipated. McCord, who entered Ohio State with high expectations, has shown flashes of brilliance during his tenure, but he’s also faced questions regarding his ability to live up to the legacy of his predecessors. What once seemed like a clear trajectory toward NFL success now carries a question mark.

This unexpected draft prediction comes with a mix of excitement, uncertainty, and intrigue, as McCord’s future—whether it be in the NFL or elsewhere—remains a subject of discussion among draft experts and Ohio State faithful. This article will explore McCord’s journey, how he has developed under head coach Ryan Day, and the factors influencing this surprising NFL Draft prediction.

Kyle McCord’s Journey to Ohio State

McCord, a highly rated recruit from St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia, entered Ohio State as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2021 recruiting class. With a strong arm, great mobility, and a high football IQ, McCord was seen as the heir apparent to Justin Fields, who had led Ohio State to national prominence in 2020. As a top-ranked prospect, McCord’s potential seemed limitless, and many expected him to step in as Ohio State’s next star quarterback.

After a redshirt year in 2021, McCord was thrust into the starting position following the departure of Fields to the NFL. Despite McCord’s impressive physical attributes, his early seasons were marked by inconsistency. He displayed flashes of brilliance but also struggled with some of the more nuanced aspects of playing quarterback at the highest level. With C.J. Stroud emerging as a clear star during the 2022 season, McCord found himself once again in a backup role, though still regarded as the future of the program.

Despite not being the immediate starter, McCord’s time at Ohio State has been valuable in terms of development. Under the guidance of offensive mastermind Ryan Day, McCord has been able to refine his game, particularly in terms of decision-making, mechanics, and leadership. But even with all of this development, there is a general sense that McCord has not yet fully met the lofty expectations set for him as the heir to the quarterback throne.

The Current State of Ohio State’s Quarterback Competition

The biggest hurdle for McCord has been the highly competitive nature of the Ohio State quarterback room. With C.J. Stroud leaving for the NFL Draft, McCord was expected to compete for the starting job in 2023. Yet, it was not guaranteed that McCord would be the obvious choice as the starting quarterback, even though he had more experience with the team than some of the other contenders.

This opened the door for Devin Brown, another highly-touted quarterback recruit, to challenge McCord for the starting role. Brown, known for his impressive arm strength and dual-threat capabilities, had many believing that he could be the future of the Buckeyes’ offense. Ohio State’s quarterback competition became one of the most closely watched storylines heading into the season, with McCord and Brown both vying for the coveted starting spot.

Ultimately, McCord was named the starting quarterback, but the competition between him and Brown continued to push McCord to elevate his game. While McCord has showcased flashes of the talent that made him a highly recruited quarterback, he has also had moments where his decision-making and consistency have been called into question. As a result, some fans and analysts began to question whether McCord could truly live up to the Ohio State legacy of quarterbacks that preceded him.

The Unexpected NFL Draft Prediction

As McCord prepares for the 2023 season, experts are beginning to weigh in on his NFL Draft prospects. Despite the excitement surrounding McCord’s potential as a top-tier college quarterback, the consensus opinion about his NFL future has become unexpectedly mixed. Initially, McCord was expected to be a future first-round pick, given his physical tools and the pedigree of Ohio State quarterbacks in the NFL. However, recent predictions have been far less optimistic.

Instead of projecting McCord as a guaranteed first-round selection, several draft analysts have started to forecast a more uncertain future. Some experts predict that McCord could be selected in the mid-to-late rounds of the draft, which would be a surprising outcome for a player who once seemed poised to be the next great Ohio State quarterback.

What led to this unexpected shift in McCord’s draft stock? There are several key factors that may have contributed to the revised NFL Draft predictions:

1. Inconsistent Play

While McCord has shown plenty of promise during his time at Ohio State, his play has often been inconsistent. He has struggled with some aspects of the game that are critical for a quarterback, such as reading defenses, making quick decisions, and avoiding turnovers. His ball placement has also been erratic at times, and he has occasionally failed to capitalize on opportunities to make big plays. This inconsistency has raised concerns about his ability to transition to the NFL, where every mistake is magnified and there is little room for error.

2. Competition at Ohio State

The ongoing competition with Devin Brown has also affected McCord’s standing. While McCord did secure the starting role, the fact that Ohio State’s coaching staff had a legitimate competition at quarterback suggests that McCord may not have fully separated himself from his peers. If McCord had been able to consistently dominate in the competition for the starting job, it would have solidified his position as the unquestioned leader. However, the fact that he had to fight for his place undercuts some of the confidence that NFL scouts may have once had in him.

3. The Ohio State Quarterback Development Narrative

Ohio State’s quarterbacks have faced a unique challenge in recent years: transitioning from an up-tempo, spread offense into the NFL. While Ohio State’s system has produced highly successful quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, there have been concerns about how well these quarterbacks will adapt to the more traditional pro-style offenses in the NFL. Some draft analysts have raised questions about whether McCord can succeed in an NFL system that demands quicker decision-making and more complex plays than what he experienced at Ohio State.

4. Rising Talent Around the Nation

The 2023 NFL Draft is stacked with impressive quarterback prospects, which could also impact McCord’s draft stock. Players like Caleb Williams (USC), Drake Maye (North Carolina), and Quinn Ewers (Texas) are expected to be among the top selections, and this highly competitive class of quarterbacks makes it more difficult for players like McCord to stand out. The depth of talent in the upcoming draft could push McCord further down draft boards, as NFL teams may prioritize quarterbacks with more polished skills or more impressive college resumes.

McCord’s Strengths and Potential for Growth

Despite the unexpected draft predictions, it’s important to remember that McCord still possesses the physical tools and upside to succeed at the next level. His arm strength is undeniable, and he has the ability to make all the throws required at the NFL level. Additionally, McCord’s mobility and athleticism allow him to extend plays and make things happen outside the pocket. His work ethic and desire to improve have also been praised by coaches and teammates, suggesting that he may continue to develop his game over time.

For McCord, it will be crucial to take the next step in his development. If he can improve his consistency and decision-making, he has the potential to rise back up draft boards. His performance in the 2023 season will be key, as it will provide NFL scouts with the most recent and accurate information on his readiness for the next level. If McCord shows significant growth and can lead Ohio State to another playoff appearance, he could boost his draft stock significantly.