Quinn Ewers, quarterback for the Texas Longhorns, gets an intriguing NFL

As the Texas Longhorns prepare for another highly anticipated season, all eyes are on quarterback Quinn Ewers. The former five-star recruit and Ohio State transfer has shown flashes of brilliance in Austin, leading many to speculate about his potential at the next level. With the NFL constantly on the lookout for elite quarterback talent, Ewers’ draft stock is becoming a major talking point among analysts and scouts.

The Journey of Quinn Ewers

Ewers’ path to becoming the face of Texas football has been anything but conventional. Originally committing to Ohio State as the top-ranked quarterback in the 2021 class, Ewers opted to reclassify and enroll early, effectively skipping his senior year of high school. After limited playing time with the Buckeyes, he transferred to Texas, where he was given the opportunity to lead the Longhorns under head coach Steve Sarkisian.

In his first full season as the Texas starter, Ewers showed moments of sheer brilliance, including a dominant performance against Alabama before suffering an injury. While he displayed elite arm talent and poise, consistency became a focal point of his development. His progression in year two would be critical in determining his standing as a potential first-round NFL draft pick.

NFL Scouts See Potential in Ewers

Scouts and analysts have been carefully monitoring Ewers’ development. His physical tools—particularly his arm strength and ability to make off-platform throws—are reminiscent of some of the top quarterbacks in the league. NFL teams have taken notice, with multiple franchises reportedly intrigued by his potential as a franchise quarterback.

Some key attributes that make Ewers a fascinating NFL prospect include:

• Elite Arm Talent: Ewers can make any throw on the field, whether it’s deep down the sideline or a quick strike over the middle.
• Pocket Presence: While still improving, Ewers has shown flashes of being able to navigate the pocket effectively.
• Big-Game Experience: Competing in the SEC (with Texas moving from the Big 12) will only help prepare him for the rigors of the NFL.
• Football IQ: Playing under Steve Sarkisian, known for his quarterback-friendly system, gives Ewers an edge in understanding pro-style concepts.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Despite his immense potential, Ewers still has areas that require development before he makes the jump to the NFL. His decision-making at times has been inconsistent, and while he possesses the ability to extend plays, he sometimes takes unnecessary risks under pressure.

Additionally, his mechanics—particularly his footwork—could benefit from refinement. While his natural throwing ability allows him to make difficult passes, more disciplined footwork could improve his accuracy and consistency.

Comparisons to NFL Quarterbacks

NFL analysts have drawn comparisons between Ewers and several current and former professional quarterbacks. Some see shades of Justin Herbert due to his arm strength and ability to launch deep throws with ease. Others have likened him to a young Matthew Stafford, particularly in the way he can thread passes into tight windows but occasionally forces throws that result in turnovers.

One thing is certain: If Ewers can clean up the small details and continue to showcase his elite talent, he could emerge as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL Draft.

The Competition With Arch Manning

While Ewers is focused on his NFL future, he also faces competition at the college level. Arch Manning, the highly touted recruit from the legendary Manning family, is waiting for his opportunity to start. If Ewers struggles or fails to elevate Texas into true championship contention, there will be calls for Manning to take over. However, if Ewers delivers, it will solidify his draft stock and potentially make him one of the first quarterbacks off the board in the draft.

What Lies Ahead for Ewers?

The 2024 season will be crucial for Quinn Ewers. With Texas transitioning into the SEC, he will have the opportunity to prove himself against top-tier defenses and further bolster his NFL résumé. If he continues to develop and lead Texas to success, his name could be called early in the NFL Draft.

For now, the intrigue surrounding Quinn Ewers’ NFL future only continues to grow, with scouts, analysts, and fans eagerly watching his every move.