Quinn Ewers’ NFL Draft Journey: From High Expectations to Seventh-Round Selection
Quinn Ewers, once a highly touted quarterback prospect, experienced a significant drop in the recent NFL Draft, ultimately being selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round. This unexpected outcome has become a major talking point in the football world, prompting reflection on the factors that contributed to his draft slide and his potential future in the league.
Ewers’ decision to enter the NFL Draft came after a college career marked by both promise and inconsistency. Initially committed to Ohio State as a five-star recruit, he transferred to the University of Texas, where he became the starting quarterback for the Longhorns. While he showcased flashes of brilliance, his performance at Texas didn’t consistently match the lofty expectations that surrounded him coming out of high school.
In 2024, Ewers had a productive season, throwing for 3,472 yards and 31 touchdowns, leading the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff. However, their playoff run ended in the semifinals against Ohio State, adding a layer of disappointment to his final college campaign. Despite the team success, many questioned Ewers’ ability to elevate his play to the level of the elite quarterbacks in college football.
The decision to forgo remaining at Texas and instead declare for the NFL Draft was a gamble. Ewers and his agent, Ron Slavin, believed he had the potential to be a mid-round pick, potentially landing with teams like the Las Vegas Raiders or Seattle Seahawks on the second day of the draft. However, as the draft unfolded, Ewers watched as quarterback after quarterback was selected, his name remaining on the board.
Slavin, in an interview with ESPN, described the situation as a "nightmare" scenario. The Raiders, a team they had targeted, ultimately passed on Ewers, instead opting for players from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), a level below the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) where Texas competed. This decision was particularly disheartening, as it suggested that NFL teams had concerns about Ewers’ readiness for the professional level.
As the draft progressed, Slavin reached out to numerous teams, seeking clarity on why Ewers was falling further than anticipated. He indicated that he had conversations with both the Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys before the seventh round commenced. Ultimately, it was the Dolphins who decided to take a chance on Ewers, selecting him with one of their final picks.
The reasons behind Ewers’ draft slide are multifaceted. Some analysts believe that his inconsistent play at Texas raised concerns about his ability to translate his skills to the NFL. While he possessed a strong arm and the ability to make impressive throws, he also struggled with accuracy and decision-making at times.
Another factor may have been the perception that Ewers’ name and reputation were bigger than his actual on-field performance. As Slavin noted, some teams may have been hesitant to draft him as a backup, fearing that his presence would create unwanted attention and potentially disrupt the quarterback room. The pressure of being a highly touted recruit can sometimes be a burden rather than an advantage.
Ewers, for his part, has acknowledged the disappointment of his draft position but has vowed to use it as motivation. He stated that being the last quarterback selected in the draft has provided him with "a lot of motivation," fueling his desire to prove his doubters wrong. He expressed that this is the first time in his life he has not had high expectations, and he intends to use that to his advantage.
In Miami, Ewers will face competition for the backup quarterback role. He is likely to compete with Zach Wilson, another former high draft pick who has struggled to live up to expectations. The opportunity to learn from a seasoned veteran quarterback like Tua Tagovailoa could be beneficial for Ewers’ development.
The Dolphins’ decision to draft Ewers represents a low-risk, high-reward gamble. If he can refine his skills, improve his decision-making, and demonstrate the potential that made him a top recruit, he could become a valuable asset for the team. If he fails to develop, the Dolphins haven’t invested a significant amount of capital in him.
Ewers’ journey to the NFL has been anything but conventional. From his early commitment to Ohio State to his transfer to Texas and his unexpected draft slide, he has faced numerous challenges and setbacks. However, his story is far from over. With the right coaching and development, he has the potential to carve out a successful career in the NFL.
The key for Ewers will be to focus on the fundamentals, work diligently on his weaknesses, and demonstrate a strong work ethic. He will need to prove to the Dolphins coaching staff that he is committed to improving and that he has the mental toughness to handle the pressures of the NFL.
Ultimately, Ewers’ success in the NFL will depend on his ability to overcome the adversity he has faced and to capitalize on the opportunity he has been given. His draft slide may have been a humbling experience, but it has also provided him with the motivation and fuel to prove himself at the highest level of football. The coming months and years will be crucial in determining whether Quinn Ewers can live up to the hype that once surrounded him and establish himself as a legitimate NFL quarterback. His journey is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the draft process and the resilience required to succeed in the competitive world of professional football.
