McCord transferred from Ohio State to Syracuse for the 2024 season and proceeded to lead the FBS (and set an ACC record) with 4,779 passing yards. With that résumé, it wasn’t surprising he was clearly the top quarterback prospect on the field this past weekend. The ball left his hand with a tight spiral that regularly hit its target. McCord was able to change his arm angles to find creases for screens and quick outs and was accurate throwing while moving to his left and right. His experience showed when working under center, adeptly handling the ball on play-action and finding a place downfield to rip the ball. In a draft lacking superior depth at the game’s most important position, McCord did what was required to wrap up a top-125 draft grade.
Phillips isn’t as tall or long (32 1/4-inch arms) as many nose tackles, but the 318-pounder carries a large share of his weight between his belt and ankles. That low center of gravity made him tough to move by one or two blockers on run plays this past weekend and allowed him to bull-rush strong linemen like N.C. State’s Tim McKay into the backfield in pass-protection drills. Phillips surprised Boston College C Drew Kendall with a spin move to rush the passer during team work on Monday, but his bread and butter on Sundays will be to maintain the line of scrimmage and disengage to stop run plays.
Some teams will overlook Powell-Ryland because of his average size and short arms (31 1/8 inches) — but that would be a mistake. He held his ground at the point of attack despite giving up 60-70 pounds to the various linemen tasked with moving him, and he was able to pound his hands into the chest of Oklahoma State OT Dalton Cooper on multiple occasions, shedding to get into the backfield. Powell-Ryland showed the most promise of any edge player as a pass rusher, not only during one-on-ones when there was a lot of room to operate but also in 11-on-11 play. His effective spin move and quickness off the snap from a hand-down or stand-up position will entice teams that regularly change up their fronts.
According to Pro Football Focus, the most targets Thornton received during his four years of college (two at Oregon, then two at Tennessee) was 38 this past season. Known by most as a deep-ball receiver who led the FBS with an average of 25.4 yards per reception as a senior, he has taken advantage of his reps by showing he can win with quickness on comeback routes and get inside on slants with quickness off the line. Of course, his most notable attribute is the strider’s speed once past his defender, which he’s shown on multiple occasions when his man was not able to stop his progress at the line. In a class lacking a ton of big-play receivers, Thornton’s skill set should earn him a place in the top 150.
Over the past two seasons, Warren started at left tackle for the Division II Lindenwood Lions. He was a two-time all-conference pick at guard in 2021 and ’22, however, and looked at home inside during Shrine practices. The native of Hawai’i possesses the length to play outside (33 5/8-inch arms), which was helpful to hold off all comers in pass-protection drills and live play. His anchor is as strong as you’d expect at 6-5, 330 pounds, and the mobility is also there to pull and trap. Warren showed no fear facing opponents from Power Four programs, showing teams he’s a worthy selection in the top half of Day 3.
