Quinn Ewers’ Agent Explains Why the Former Texas Star Slid in the NFL Draft Due to Consistency and Durability Concerns.

The 2023 NFL Draft was one of the most eagerly anticipated events in recent memory, filled with a variety of top-tier prospects, each with their own compelling backstory. Among the most high-profile prospects heading into the draft was former Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers. Once considered a potential top pick in the draft, Ewers, despite his undeniable talent, found himself slipping down the board, surprising many who had previously pegged him as a future star in the NFL. As with any draft slide, there are usually a combination of factors that contribute to a player’s fall, and for Ewers, the reasons were rooted in concerns over his consistency and durability.

In a rare move, Ewers’ agent, Ron Slavin, took the opportunity to speak candidly about the factors that contributed to the quarterback’s unexpected slide in the draft. Slavin revealed that while Ewers’ raw talent was never in question, his lack of consistent play and lingering concerns about his durability played significant roles in the decision-making process of NFL teams. These factors, while not necessarily indicative of Ewers’ long-term potential, led teams to hesitate on drafting him higher than expected. This situation provides valuable insight into the complex evaluation process that NFL teams undergo when selecting quarterbacks in the draft.

The Rise of Quinn Ewers

Quinn Ewers’ journey to becoming one of the most hyped quarterbacks in recent years began in high school. The Southlake Carroll High School star was viewed as a generational talent and was ranked as the top quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class. His ability to throw the football with velocity, accuracy, and touch made him an attractive prospect for college programs across the country. Ewers’ high school performance was nothing short of sensational, and it wasn’t long before he became one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation.

Initially committed to Texas, Ewers reclassified and enrolled early at Ohio State, where he would back up Heisman contender CJ Stroud for one season before transferring back to Texas in 2022. Despite limited playing time at Ohio State, Ewers was widely seen as a top prospect due to his arm strength, athleticism, and overall potential. His decision to transfer back to Texas was celebrated as the Longhorns hoped to capitalize on Ewers’ upside, and the move fueled even more hype for his future.

In his first season at Texas, Ewers showed flashes of brilliance, notably in a dramatic win against Alabama, where he played efficiently and with poise. However, his season was not without its struggles. While the raw talent was undeniable, Ewers’ performance was inconsistent, and he faced challenges that are often seen with quarterbacks making the transition from high school to college football. He exhibited moments of brilliance, but he also had stretches where he looked like a work in progress. This inconsistency raised questions about his readiness for the NFL.

The Concerns Over Consistency

As a quarterback, consistency is perhaps the most critical attribute when it comes to NFL success. NFL teams invest significant resources into scouting quarterbacks, and any sign of inconsistency raises alarms. In the case of Quinn Ewers, while his talent and ceiling were highly regarded, his inability to consistently perform at a high level during his time at Texas was one of the primary reasons for his draft slide.

Throughout his college career, Ewers showed that he had the ability to make all the necessary throws at the highest level. His arm strength was a standout feature, allowing him to deliver deep passes with ease. Additionally, he showed flashes of accuracy, particularly on short to intermediate routes. However, when the pressure mounted or when faced with top-tier defenses, Ewers often struggled with decision-making and execution.

His inconsistency was evident in games where he appeared poised and confident, only to follow up with lackluster performances against lesser competition. This ebb and flow of play raised concerns for NFL scouts and general managers. The best quarterbacks in the NFL are often those who can consistently perform under pressure and maintain high-level play over the course of a season. With Ewers, there was no clear sense that he could replicate his highs frequently enough to warrant a top pick.

For a quarterback, inconsistency is one of the toughest hurdles to overcome. The NFL is a league that demands excellence every single week, and teams were concerned about whether Ewers could overcome his erratic play to become the franchise signal-caller that many thought he could be. This inconsistency ultimately factored into his draft slide, as teams preferred more polished quarterbacks who had shown the ability to perform at a high level week in and week out.

Durability Concerns

Another significant factor that contributed to Quinn Ewers’ slide in the NFL Draft was his durability, or rather, his lack thereof. Injuries are an unfortunate reality in the world of football, but they can significantly affect a player’s draft stock, especially for quarterbacks who are the focal point of a team’s offense.

During his time at Texas, Ewers dealt with injuries that sidelined him for a portion of the 2022 season. While none of the injuries were deemed career-threatening, they raised legitimate concerns about his long-term durability at the next level. As a quarterback in the NFL, Ewers would be facing even bigger and more physical defenders than he encountered in college, and his ability to withstand hits while remaining healthy was a question that NFL teams had to seriously consider.

Ewers’ injuries were often related to his mobility and the physicality of the game. As a quarterback, it’s not just about how well you throw the ball—it’s about how you take care of your body and whether you can withstand the wear and tear of a long NFL season. This was an area that teams were particularly concerned with, especially given Ewers’ history of being sidelined for a portion of his college career.

For quarterbacks, durability is just as important as skill. A team will often take a quarterback with a lower ceiling but higher durability over one who has the potential for greatness but comes with a history of injuries. In Ewers’ case, while he undoubtedly had the talent to succeed in the NFL, his history of injuries gave teams pause, and they opted to wait on selecting him.

The Mental and Emotional Toll

Another element that may have contributed to Ewers’ slide is the mental and emotional toll that the intense scrutiny placed on him as a top prospect had. The pressure of being one of the most hyped quarterbacks in recent memory is immense, and for someone like Ewers—who was under the microscope since his high school days—maintaining the mental fortitude necessary to succeed at the next level is no small feat.

NFL scouts and general managers know that a quarterback’s mindset is just as important as his physical skills. Ewers’ emotional maturity and ability to handle the pressures of being the face of a franchise were questions that some teams had about him. NFL teams were aware that the mental aspect of the game is crucial for a quarterback, and they had to consider whether Ewers was mentally prepared to handle the challenges that come with playing in the league.

The Impact on Ewers’ Draft Stock

Quinn Ewers’ slide in the NFL Draft serves as a reminder of how delicate the process can be for highly-touted prospects. Talent is important, but so are other factors like consistency, durability, and mental toughness. Ewers’ story illustrates how quickly things can change in the world of college football, where a player who seems destined for greatness can face obstacles that hinder their rise.

Despite the draft slide, it is important to note that Ewers’ career is far from over. Many quarterbacks have faced similar challenges early in their careers, only to go on to have successful NFL careers. While the slide was a setback, Ewers still possesses the raw talent that made him a top prospect in the first place. It will be up to him to prove that his inconsistency and durability concerns were merely temporary setbacks and that he has the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest level.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Quinn Ewers

The future for Quinn Ewers is full of potential, even if the draft didn’t go as he had hoped. His talent is undeniable, and while his time at Texas may not have been as smooth as expected, there is still plenty of room for growth. Ewers now has the opportunity to work on the areas that contributed to his draft slide—most notably, his consistency and durability—while also proving that he can handle the mental and emotional demands of the NFL.

The next few years will be crucial for Ewers. Whether he starts his career as a backup or is thrust into a starting role, the NFL will give him the platform to either flourish or falter. His story is still being written, and if he can overcome the challenges that led to his slide, he may ultimately become one of the league’s standout quarterbacks.

In the end, Quinn Ewers’ journey serves as a testament to the fact that success in the NFL is about more than just talent. Consistency, durability, and mental fortitude are just as important as raw athletic ability. Ewers’ draft slide may have been a setback, but it is by no means the end of his career. If anything, it is merely the beginning of a new chapter in his journey, one that will be defined by his ability to adapt, grow, and overcome the challenges that lie ahead.