In the aftermath of the 2025 NFL Draft, the football world is still processing one of the most surprising and polarizing outcomes: former Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers sliding all the way to the seventh round. Once projected as a potential first- or second-round selection, Ewers’ stunning draft-day fall has now triggered a fiery response from his agent, who took to multiple media outlets to call out NFL teams for what he described as a glaring mishandling of talent evaluation and possible underlying biases.
Ewers, a former five-star recruit and the centerpiece of Texas’ resurgence in recent seasons, was expected by many to hear his name called no later than Day 2. After a strong senior season in which he led the Longhorns to a College Football Playoff appearance and posted over 3,800 passing yards with 32 touchdowns, scouts widely praised his arm strength, football IQ, and leadership. However, as the rounds passed by without his name being announced, whispers of concerns around his mobility, injury history, and system reliance began to circulate.
By the time Ewers was selected with the 244th overall pick, his agent, David Mulugheta, had seen enough.
“This wasn’t just a misjudgment—it was negligence,” Mulugheta said in a searing post-draft interview. “NFL teams talk about evaluating character, leadership, and potential. If that’s truly the case, then passing on Quinn for six rounds is indefensible. There were guys taken ahead of him who haven’t even faced a top-25 defense. Quinn played in the SEC-lite Big 12, then thrived against SEC teams in the postseason.”
Mulugheta, who also represents NFL stars like Jalen Ramsey and Deshaun Watson, argued that Ewers was not just a casualty of team-specific draft boards, but of a deeper bias in quarterback evaluation that favors physical traits over actual on-field production and leadership.
“We’re seeing a shift where highlight-reel throws in shorts and a t-shirt are worth more than clutch wins in real games,” he said. “Quinn beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa, battled through injury, led comeback wins, and somehow that’s less important than what someone did at a pro day in perfect conditions.”
NFL insiders have offered mixed reactions. Some executives cited concerns over Ewers’ long-term health and his inconsistent footwork under pressure. One anonymous scout said, “He has a great arm, but he doesn’t move the needle in interviews. You want a QB who takes over a room. Quinn was quiet, almost too laid-back.”
Others, however, were stunned that a quarterback with Ewers’ pedigree and production slipped so far. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky labeled it “an institutional failure in scouting,” while former NFL coach Jim Mora Jr. suggested the league “outsmarted itself by trying too hard to find the next unicorn instead of taking a proven commodity.”
Ewers’ fall has sparked broader questions about the NFL’s quarterback evaluation process—especially in a draft that saw several less accomplished QBs go in the early rounds based on perceived upside. The rise of analytics and the prioritization of arm strength, RAS scores (Relative Athletic Score), and potential over proven collegiate performance appears to be changing how teams value signal-callers.
“It’s the Zach Wilson effect all over again,” said one NFL writer. “Teams are terrified of missing out on the next Mahomes, so they take raw tools over battle-tested leaders.”
The player himself has taken the high road publicly. In a short statement posted to social media after being drafted by the Tennessee Titans, Ewers wrote, “Grateful for the opportunity. Time to go to work.”
Behind the scenes, however, sources close to Ewers say the slide has only intensified his motivation. He’s expected to compete for a backup role in Tennessee, but team insiders say don’t be surprised if he pushes for more, especially if starter Will Levis falters early in the season.
Mulugheta says the draft slide will ultimately benefit his client.
“Quinn’s going to show everyone what they missed. And when he does, those same GMs who passed on him are going to have a hard time explaining to their owners why they bet against him.”
For Texas fans, the draft snub feels like déjà vu. Longhorn legends like Colt McCoy and Vince Young both faced NFL turbulence despite storied college careers. Ewers, whose revival of Texas football was nothing short of heroic, now faces the uphill battle of proving himself once again.
Yet the bigger story may not be Ewers himself, but what his draft plunge says about the state of quarterback evaluation in today’s NFL. With every new draft cycle, it seems the gap between college production and NFL draft value continues to widen.
“It’s become about being the idea of a quarterback rather than being a real quarterback,” said Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt. “Quinn Ewers is a real quarterback. He played big in big moments. But if you don’t fit the spreadsheet or have the flashiest TikTok clip, you’re suddenly not worth a Day 2 pick? Come on.”
Klatt also pointed to a growing trend of successful NFL quarterbacks who were passed over in favor of less experienced players—Brock Purdy, Jalen Hurts, and even Lamar Jackson as examples of evaluative misjudgment.
“We’re going to look back in a few years and realize Ewers should’ve gone in the top 50, if not higher,” Klatt said.
Ewers’ case may also reignite the debate about the NFL Combine and pre-draft process in general. While the workouts and interviews offer valuable insights, critics argue that the actual game tape should carry far more weight.
“We’re putting too much emphasis on underwear Olympics,” said Hall of Famer Kurt Warner. “Quinn’s been through adversity, led a major program, and done it under the brightest lights. That matters more than what his three-cone drill looks like.”
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Tennessee, where Ewers is expected to make headlines regardless of his role. For now, he remains quiet, focused, and—according to those who know him best—more determined than ever.
“He’s not going to say it out loud, but he feels disrespected,” said a former Texas assistant coach. “And a disrespected Quinn Ewers is a dangerous one.”
The 2025 NFL Draft will be remembered for many things, but Quinn Ewers’ dramatic fall may end up being its most defining storyline. And if his agent’s warnings prove prophetic, the league may have just made a very costly mistake.
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