As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, one of the most intriguing storylines in college football surrounds Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers. Ewers, who has garnered significant attention throughout his college career for his arm strength, size, and potential, has suddenly become a topic of debate regarding his NFL draft stock. Recently, reports emerged that Ewers turned down a substantial $8 million NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) offer to return to college and further develop his game. This decision has led to mixed reviews from experts, fans, and analysts alike, casting doubt on his draft prospects and leaving many wondering what his future holds in the NFL.
In this blog post, we’ll take a deeper dive into Quinn Ewers’ NFL draft stock, explore the implications of his decision to decline the NIL offer, and analyze how his decision could impact his future prospects.
The Rise of Quinn Ewers: High Expectations and Early Promise
Quinn Ewers was widely regarded as one of the top quarterback prospects in recent memory when he was in high school. After committing to Ohio State, Ewers quickly became a household name due to his impressive high school career, particularly his performance in his senior year, where he showcased his elite arm strength and football IQ. He was labeled a generational talent with the potential to revolutionize the quarterback position at the next level.
However, after just one season at Ohio State, Ewers made a surprising decision to transfer to the University of Texas, citing a desire for more playing time. At Texas, Ewers quickly became the Longhorns’ starting quarterback and was expected to lead the team to new heights. While his first season was a mix of ups and downs, he demonstrated flashes of brilliance that fueled optimism about his long-term potential.
As a sophomore in 2023, Ewers showed further improvement, with increased consistency and better decision-making, although there were still moments of inconsistency. Despite some growing pains, his physical attributes—arm strength, size (6’2” and 215 pounds), and ability to make all the throws—were evident. His development was viewed as vital for Texas’ return to national relevance, but many questioned whether he was ready to make the leap to the NFL just yet.
Turning Down an $8 Million NIL Offer: A Bold Move
Amidst the hype surrounding his potential, Quinn Ewers was presented with a significant NIL deal, reportedly valued at $8 million. This would have been one of the most lucrative NIL offers ever extended to a college athlete, highlighting the ever-increasing financial power that college players now hold.
Yet, in a move that stunned many in the college football world, Ewers chose to decline the offer and return to Texas for another season. In an era where NIL deals are transforming the financial landscape for student-athletes, and where many players are opting to capitalize on their marketability while still in college, Ewers’ decision to pass up such a massive offer raised several eyebrows.
Why would a highly regarded quarterback with such significant earning potential choose to turn down such a deal? The answer seems to lie in his desire for further development. Ewers, while talented, still has aspects of his game that need refinement, including his consistency, footwork, and ability to read defenses at a high level. Returning to Texas for another season could allow him to fine-tune his skills and put together a more polished tape for NFL scouts.
Mixed Reviews: What Does This Mean for His NFL Draft Stock?
Ewers’ decision to turn down an $8 million NIL offer has created a split in how his NFL draft stock is perceived. Let’s break down the mixed reviews that have emerged as a result.
The Positive Outlook: A Year of Development Could Benefit Ewers
Some analysts view Ewers’ decision to stay in college as a smart one for his long-term NFL prospects. The quarterback position is one that requires a high level of development, and it’s rare for players to transition seamlessly from college to the pros without further refining their skills. While Ewers has undeniable talent, many believe that another year in a college program like Texas—under the guidance of head coach Steve Sarkisian—could help him make crucial improvements.
For one, Ewers has struggled with consistency at times, and his decision-making has occasionally been a point of concern. By returning to college for another season, Ewers can work on his mechanics, decision-making, and ability to operate within the pocket under pressure. More time at Texas would also allow him to build chemistry with his wide receivers and enhance his leadership skills, which could be vital in a professional environment where teamwork is key.
Another factor that works in Ewers’ favor is the ever-changing landscape of the NFL quarterback market. While there is no shortage of talented quarterbacks eligible for the 2024 draft, the 2025 class could be even more loaded. This means that Ewers might be better off waiting a year to enter a draft class that may offer less competition at his position. Furthermore, if he shows significant improvement during his final year at Texas, he could elevate himself into the conversation for the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, potentially securing a better situation with a franchise in need of a quarterback.
The Negative Outlook: Risking His Stock by Staying in College
On the other hand, some critics argue that Ewers is risking his future NFL prospects by returning to college. There’s no doubt that college football is a volatile environment, and players can face injuries or unforeseen setbacks that may derail their careers. A year of development in college doesn’t guarantee success at the NFL level, and if Ewers were to struggle in 2024, his draft stock could take a significant hit.
Additionally, the NFL Draft is always full of surprises. What if a team falls in love with another quarterback in the 2024 class, pushing Ewers further down the board? The 2025 class is still a year away, and while it could be filled with talent, there’s also a chance that Ewers may not be able to showcase enough growth to make himself a first-round pick. With college football’s NIL market continuing to grow, many players are leveraging their marketability while still in school. By choosing to stay in college, Ewers risks missing out on a potentially lucrative opportunity to start his professional career earlier.
Moreover, the decision to turn down $8 million has raised concerns about Ewers’ readiness for the financial realities of the NFL. Some wonder if he is fully prepared to make the jump to the pros and handle the increased pressure and responsibilities that come with being a top NFL draft pick. The NFL is a business, and decisions like Ewers’ choice to forgo immediate earnings have led some to question whether he is truly ready for the professional environment.
What Does Ewers Need to Show in 2024?
If Quinn Ewers is to improve his NFL draft stock in 2024, he will need to show several key improvements:
- Consistency: Ewers has flashed brilliance, but he must become a more consistent quarterback who can lead Texas to victories week in and week out, regardless of the opponent.
- Decision-Making: Ewers must continue to work on his ability to read defenses quickly and make smart decisions. NFL scouts will be looking for quarterbacks who are quick thinkers and can minimize costly mistakes.
- Mechanics and Footwork: Improving his footwork and mechanics under pressure will be critical for Ewers to avoid the inconsistencies that have plagued his game.
- Leadership: As Texas’ quarterback, Ewers will need to prove that he can lead a program to success and be the unquestioned leader in the locker room.
Conclusion: The Uncertainty of Quinn Ewers’ NFL Draft Stock
Quinn Ewers’ decision to spurn an $8 million NIL offer and return to college for another year has certainly generated mixed reactions. Some view it as a wise move that could lead to a higher draft position in 2025, while others believe he may be taking unnecessary risks with his future. Regardless of the differing opinions, one thing is clear: Ewers has a lot to prove in 2024.
Ultimately, Ewers’ draft stock will be determined by how well he performs during his final year at Texas. If he can show growth, improve his consistency, and lead the Longhorns to a successful season, his decision to stay in college could pay off in a big way. But if he falters, the risk of returning could leave him with more questions than answers come draft day.