For years, Quinn Ewers was regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football. His elite arm talent, high football IQ, and natural playmaking ability made him one of the most sought-after recruits in recent history. But as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the former Texas Longhorn finds himself in a precarious position. Once projected as a potential top-10 pick, Ewers’ draft stock has taken a hit due to persistent consistency issues.
While flashes of brilliance have kept scouts intrigued, the inability to string together high-level performances week after week has resulted in a lower-than-expected ranking among key quarterback prospects. So, what went wrong? Why is Ewers struggling to maintain his status among the best, and what does this mean for his NFL future?
The Hype and the High Expectations
Ewers’ football journey began with sky-high expectations. As a high school quarterback at Southlake Carroll in Texas, he was considered a generational talent. Rated as a perfect 1.000 recruit by 247Sports, he drew comparisons to Patrick Mahomes for his arm strength and ability to make off-platform throws.
Initially committing to Ohio State, Ewers decided to forgo his senior year of high school and reclassify to enroll early. The move was controversial but spoke volumes about the hype surrounding him. However, his time at Ohio State was brief and uneventful, leading him to transfer to Texas, where he was expected to take the program to new heights.
The Texas Experience: Flashes of Greatness, But Inconsistency Prevails
At Texas, Ewers showed glimpses of his potential but struggled to put it all together consistently. His time as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback was defined by highs that wowed scouts and lows that raised major concerns.
Bright Spots in Ewers’ Game
- Elite Arm Talent: There is no denying that Ewers can make every throw on the field. He has the ability to push the ball deep with ease and thread passes into tight windows.
- Confidence and Aggressiveness: Unlike many young quarterbacks, Ewers has never been afraid to take risks. His willingness to attack defenses vertically makes him a dangerous playmaker.
- Big-Game Performances: When locked in, Ewers has the ability to take over games. His performance against Alabama in the 2023 season was a perfect example of what he’s capable of when playing at his best.
The Downside: Why He’s Slipping in Draft Rankings
However, the inconsistency in his game has prevented him from solidifying himself as a top-tier quarterback prospect.
1. Erratic Decision-Making
One of the biggest concerns about Ewers is his questionable decision-making under pressure. Too often, he locks onto his first read and forces throws into coverage, leading to costly turnovers.
His struggles with post-snap adjustments have been a major issue. Defenses that disguise their coverages tend to give him trouble, and he has yet to show the ability to consistently make the right reads in real-time.
2. Inconsistent Mechanics and Footwork
Ewers has a tendency to rely on his arm talent rather than proper mechanics, leading to inconsistent accuracy. Scouts have noted that his footwork can be lazy, especially when facing pressure. He sometimes fails to set his feet correctly, resulting in erratic throws that miss their targets.
At the 2025 NFL Combine, these issues were on full display. Analysts pointed out that his deep-ball accuracy, while still impressive, was inconsistent due to poor lower-body mechanics. Without proper refinement, this flaw could follow him into the NFL.
3. Struggles in High-Pressure Situations
Another concern for Ewers is his performance in high-stakes moments. In crucial games, he has often faltered. For instance, during the College Football Playoff semifinals against Ohio State, a costly red-zone fumble turned the tide against Texas.
NFL teams want quarterbacks who elevate their play when the game is on the line. Unfortunately, Ewers has yet to consistently prove he can thrive in those situations.
4. Injury Concerns
Throughout his college career, Ewers has battled injuries, including an oblique strain and an ankle sprain. While not career-threatening, these injuries have raised questions about his durability. In the NFL, availability is just as important as ability, and some teams may hesitate to invest in a player with a history of nagging injuries.
The Draft Rankings: Where Does Ewers Stand?
With these concerns in mind, Ewers’ draft stock has taken a hit. Early in the 2024 season, he was projected as a potential top-10 pick. However, as the draft process has unfolded, he has slid down the rankings.
The Top QB Prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft
- Caleb Williams (USC) – A dynamic playmaker with elite arm talent and pocket presence.
- Drake Maye (North Carolina) – A polished passer with excellent mechanics and decision-making.
- Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) – A rising star with an NFL-ready skill set.
- J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) – A proven winner with strong leadership skills.
- Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) – A gifted deep-ball passer with high football IQ.
Ewers now finds himself ranked outside the top five quarterback prospects, with many analysts projecting him as a late first-round or second-round pick.
This drop in rankings is a direct result of his inconsistencies, poor decision-making, and mechanical flaws. Teams that were once enamored with his potential are now hesitant to invest an early pick in him.
Can Ewers Still Turn It Around?
Despite his struggles, Ewers still has the raw talent to become a successful NFL quarterback. The question is whether he can develop the necessary consistency to thrive at the next level.
What He Needs to Improve
- Refining His Footwork: Working with NFL coaches on his lower-body mechanics could significantly improve his accuracy.
- Improving Decision-Making: Spending extra time studying defenses and learning to recognize disguised coverages will be crucial.
- Handling Pressure Better: Learning to stay poised in high-pressure situations will be key to his success.
Potential NFL Fits
Although his draft stock has fallen, there are still several teams that could take a chance on him. Some franchises that might be willing to draft and develop Ewers include:
- Pittsburgh Steelers: A team that needs a quarterback with a high ceiling to compete in the AFC North.
- Seattle Seahawks: A franchise that could groom him behind an experienced veteran.
- New Orleans Saints: A team known for developing quarterbacks and maximizing their potential.
If he lands in the right situation, Ewers could prove his doubters wrong and eventually become a franchise quarterback.
Final Thoughts: A Talent in Need of Refinement
Quinn Ewers’ story is a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough to guarantee success at the highest levels of football. While he still has the tools to be a top-tier quarterback, his inconsistency has made him a risky prospect.
If he can clean up his mechanics, improve his decision-making, and perform better in high-pressure situations, he could eventually rise above his draft placement and become a steal for the right team.
However, if these issues persist, his NFL career could be a rollercoaster—much like his time at Texas. The upcoming draft will be a pivotal moment in his journey, and only time will tell whether he can overcome his shortcomings and reach his full potential.
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