Analyst Explains Why Big-Named QB Fell to Bottom of NFL Draft

Newsweek

02-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Before the start of the 2024 season, Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers was thought to be in the conversation for a first-round, and potentially even top 10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Eight months later, Ewers found himself being the last quarterback off the board, behind names like North Dakota State's Cam Miller, Indiana's Kurtis Rourke, Tommy Mellott from Montana State, and Graham Mertz of Florida.
To many, it was quite a stunning turn of events. Maybe to the level of the Shedeur Sanders slide, but one that was surprising, to say the least.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein attempted to explain why Ewers fell so far in the eyes of his prospective suitors, and what he needs to work on at the next level.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 10: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns walks across the field in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on January...
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 10: Quinn Ewers #3 of the Texas Longhorns walks across the field in the fourth quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on January 10, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. More
"Ewers' arm talent and game flashes are enticing, but he hasn't learned to play the game with a high enough level of consistency," Zierlein said, via the Miami Herald. "Ewers rarely operates as a smooth, full-field reader. He often predetermines his target and throws into coverage instead of taking what the defense is offering."
"A lack of escapability will require him to process quickly enough to stay ahead of NFL blitz packages. The raw talent and upside will be alluring for pro-style passing attacks, but it's fair to wonder if he will ever be able to rise above the talent on his roster and the ability of his play-caller to create favorable terms."
Obviously, the Dolphins decided to finally be the team to take a chance on Ewers, picking him at No. 231 overall in Round 7.
In that position so late in the draft, it is hard to call any selection risk. That said, the Dolphins clearly saw some traits in Ewers that they liked. In particular, Ewers comes from an offense in Texas that is similar schematically to what the Dolphins already run.
And as head coach Mike McDaniel pointed out in his post-draft press conference, that could give Ewers a leg up in his rookie campaign.
"That is beneficial because you can evaluate a lot of nuances that you typically have to forecast," McDaniel said. "I think one of the things that gives him an advantage as a rookie, just getting started, is that overlap. I think the way that he orchestrates the offense from the motion timing and really anticipating things, there's a fit there, so we're excited to get him in the program and start working."