Tanner McKee: The Quiet Gunslinger Poised for NFL Stardom

Tanner McKee might not be a household name just yet, but don’t let the soft-spoken demeanor fool you—this quarterback has the tools, toughness, and upside to carve out a legitimate NFL career. Drafted in the 6th round (188th overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2023 NFL Draft, McKee has quietly impressed in limited action, drawing praise from coaches, teammates, and fans who are paying close attention. From Stanford to Philly: 

A Journey Built on Patience McKee’s road to the NFL hasn’t been typical. After a standout high school career in Corona, California, he took a two-year LDS mission to Brazil before ever throwing a college pass. That kind of discipline and perspective has shaped the way he approaches the game. At Stanford, McKee started two seasons (2021–2022), completing 63.2% of his passes for 5,336 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. Despite playing behind a struggling offensive line and dealing with multiple coaching changes, McKee showed clear signs of pro-level traits: pocket poise, quick processing, and elite size (6’6”, 231 lbs). NFL scouts took note, even if the buzz wasn’t loud. 

His decision to enter the 2023 draft raised some eyebrows, but Philadelphia saw the long-term potential. Eagles Find a Gem Late in the Draft The Eagles are no strangers to developing quarterback talent. With Jalen Hurts firmly entrenched as the starter, McKee was seen as more of a developmental piece. But in the 2023 preseason, he raised eyebrows by showing serious command of the offense. In three preseason games, McKee threw for 453 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions, boasting a 91.8 passer rating. It wasn’t just the numbers—it was his composure, accuracy on intermediate throws, and ability to handle pressure in the pocket that stood out. “I like everything about the kid,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said. “He’s smart, calm, and he doesn’t flinch. That’s what we want in a backup quarterback.” 

 What Makes McKee Unique? McKee’s strengths aren’t flashy, but they’re fundamental: Size & Arm Strength: At 6’6”, he sees over the line and delivers with velocity. Pocket Presence: Rarely panics, stands tall, and goes through progressions. Football IQ: As a Stanford product, his mental game is sharp. What he lacks in mobility compared to today’s prototypical dual-threat quarterbacks, he makes up for in anticipation and decision-making. He fits the mold of a classic pocket passer—a rarity in today’s NFL but still valuable, especially in West Coast-style offenses. What’s Next for Tanner McKee? With Marcus Mariota now gone and rookie Spencer Rattler joining the depth chart, McKee enters the 2025 season as the frontrunner for the Eagles’ QB2 job.

 While no one is expecting him to unseat Hurts, the Eagles are clearly invested in his development. Given how injuries and trades shake up depth charts every year, don’t be surprised if McKee finds himself on the field sooner rather than later. He may not be flashy, but he’s built to last—and that’s exactly the kind of quarterback Philly fans grow to love. Bottom Line: Tanner McKee isn’t trying to be the next Jalen Hurts. He’s just trying to be the best version of himself—and that might be more than enough.