What is Quinn Ewers’ NFL Draft Projection? The Texas Longhorns’ QB’s Scouting Report
As college football has evolved, the importance of the quarterback position has never been more magnified. Among the names that have sparked significant buzz in 2024 is Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers. Since his arrival at Texas, Ewers has been heralded as one of the most promising quarterbacks in college football, drawing comparisons to former top picks and potential future stars. Now, as his college career heads toward its inevitable conclusion, the question on the minds of scouts, analysts, and fans alike is: What is Quinn Ewers’ NFL draft projection, and how does his skill set measure up to NFL standards?
In this article, we will dive into a comprehensive scouting report for Quinn Ewers, evaluating his strengths, weaknesses, and overall potential as he prepares to enter the 2024 NFL Draft. Along the way, we will explore what the Texas quarterback’s draft projection could look like and the trajectory he may take as he looks to join the ranks of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
Background: Quinn Ewers’ College Journey
Before diving into the analysis, it’s important to understand Quinn Ewers’ background and how he has developed over his time at Texas.
Ewers, a native of Southlake, Texas, was widely regarded as the top quarterback recruit in the class of 2022. Coming out of high school, he was a five-star prospect and a consensus No. 1 quarterback nationally, with an impressive arm, high-level mechanics, and strong athletic ability. Ewers originally committed to play for Ohio State, but after spending just one season as a backup to C.J. Stroud, he transferred to Texas, where he became the Longhorns’ starter in 2023.
Since his arrival in Austin, Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his ability to make deep throws and generate big plays. However, like many young quarterbacks, he has also faced inconsistencies throughout his career, making his NFL projection somewhat intriguing. Nonetheless, the raw talent is undeniable, and after two years in the college ranks, Ewers has positioned himself as one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Strengths: The Attributes That Make Ewers a Top Prospect
Despite the ups and downs of his college career, Ewers boasts a set of tools that have impressed scouts, and many consider him to be one of the top quarterback prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. Let’s take a closer look at what makes him such an intriguing prospect:
1. Arm Talent and Deep Ball Accuracy
Quinn Ewers’ biggest strength is his elite arm talent. The Texas quarterback is capable of making every throw on the field, from quick slants to deep bombs, and his velocity and accuracy on deep passes are some of the best in this class. Ewers can easily push the ball 50+ yards down the field with minimal effort, and his ability to place it in tight windows on long passes stands out.
One of the defining traits of Ewers’ game is his ability to drive the ball downfield with precision, hitting wide receivers in stride on post routes, go routes, and other long-developing plays. This skill alone gives him a significant advantage, as the ability to stretch the defense vertically and open up underneath routes is invaluable in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
2. Release and Mechanics
Ewers’ throwing mechanics are polished for a quarterback of his age. He has a quick release, which helps him deliver throws under pressure. His ability to release the ball quickly without sacrificing velocity is one of the aspects that make him difficult to defend against, especially when working in tight windows. Ewers has clean footwork, which allows him to step into his throws and generate velocity and accuracy.
While he is still a work in progress in terms of consistency, his base mechanics are solid, and with proper coaching, there’s significant room for growth in this area.
3. Size and Physical Traits
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing around 215 pounds, Ewers has the ideal physical frame that NFL teams look for in a quarterback. His height allows him to see over the offensive line, while his athleticism enables him to move in and out of the pocket with ease. Ewers’ frame gives him the ability to withstand the physical toll of playing quarterback in the NFL, and his mobility helps him avoid sacks and extend plays when necessary.
Although he is not necessarily a dual-threat quarterback, Ewers is mobile enough to make plays outside the pocket and pick up yards with his legs when called upon. His mobility, paired with his arm strength, creates a dangerous combination that could translate well to the NFL.
4. Poise and Leadership
Despite being a young quarterback, Ewers has demonstrated impressive poise in high-pressure situations. His leadership qualities have been praised by coaches and teammates alike. Ewers doesn’t get rattled easily, and he’s shown a lot of maturity on the field. As the leader of a Texas team that has had championship aspirations, he has been under significant pressure, and he has handled it well for the most part.
His ability to keep calm under pressure and maintain a composed demeanor will be crucial as he transitions to the NFL, where the stakes are even higher. His leadership ability is also something that many scouts value, as it speaks to his potential to command an NFL locker room.
Weaknesses: Areas for Improvement
While Ewers has a tremendous skill set, there are some areas where he needs to improve in order to be considered a future star in the NFL. Let’s break down the weaknesses that could impact his draft projection:
1. Inconsistency and Decision-Making
One of the most notable criticisms of Ewers is his inconsistency. While he can make jaw-dropping throws, he has also made some questionable decisions on the field. There have been instances where he locks onto receivers, telegraphs passes, or forces throws into tight coverage. These types of mistakes could be costly in the NFL, where defenses are faster and more disciplined.
His decision-making has been a major point of focus, as he sometimes struggles to read defenses and process information quickly. He needs to improve his ability to make quick, accurate decisions and avoid putting the ball in harm’s way. In the NFL, where mistakes are often magnified, this could be a major area for concern if he doesn’t show improvement in this aspect of his game.
2. Accuracy on Short and Intermediate Throws
While Ewers is an exceptional deep-ball thrower, his accuracy on short and intermediate throws has been a bit of a rollercoaster. There are times when he struggles to put the ball on the money in short-range passing situations, leading to missed opportunities or drops. The inconsistency in his short and intermediate throws is something that scouts will want to see him improve upon as he transitions to the next level.
In the NFL, quarterbacks are often asked to make quick, decisive throws in tight windows, and being able to hit short and intermediate routes with precision is vital. Ewers will need to refine his touch on these throws to elevate his overall game.
3. Pocket Awareness and Footwork Under Pressure
Though Ewers is mobile, he doesn’t always exhibit great pocket awareness when under pressure. There are times when he fails to sense the rush and holds onto the ball too long, leading to sacks or forced throws. Ewers also sometimes struggles to maintain his mechanics when pressured, resulting in inaccurate passes or poor decision-making.
Improving his pocket awareness and ability to manipulate the pocket will be key for Ewers to thrive in the NFL. Learning how to navigate the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield and delivering accurate throws under duress will be a major area of development for him.
NFL Draft Projection: Where Does Quinn Ewers Stand?
As of now, Quinn Ewers is widely regarded as a top quarterback prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft, but his projection varies depending on which team you ask. Based on his skill set, Ewers could be a first-round pick, with some analysts projecting him to go in the top 10, while others might see him slipping into the middle of the first round. His combination of size, arm strength, and potential makes him an attractive option for teams looking for a franchise quarterback.
If Ewers can clean up his decision-making and improve his consistency in the short and intermediate passing game, he could solidify himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2024 draft. However, the team that selects him will likely need to be patient, as he may require some development before becoming a fully realized NFL starter.
Conclusion: The Future of Quinn Ewers
In conclusion, Quinn Ewers is one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft. His combination of raw talent, size, and leadership makes him a highly coveted prospect, but his inconsistencies and areas for improvement could impact his immediate success in the NFL. Ewers has the potential to develop into a top-tier quarterback, but he will need to refine his decision-making and accuracy, especially on short and intermediate passes.
For teams in need of a quarterback with franchise potential, Ewers is a player who is worth taking a chance on, but his success in the NFL will depend on his ability to improve in key areas and adjust to the speed and complexity of the professional game. Whether he goes in the top 10 or later in the first round, Quinn Ewers’ journey in the NFL is just beginning, and it will be fascinating to watch how his career unfolds.
