As the College Football Playoff (CFP) heats up, all eyes are on the elite athletes leading their teams into the postseason, and one of the most scrutinized players is Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers. The signal-caller has made waves in the college football scene with his dynamic play, but as the Longhorns march toward the playoff, Ewers faces a pivotal decision that could shape his future: whether to declare for the NFL Draft.
Ewers’ NFL draft status has become a topic of great interest. As one of the top quarterbacks in college football, his decision to leave or stay for another year has the potential to alter the landscape of the Longhorns’ future and the broader NFL draft class. While Ewers’ immense talent has made him a potential first-round pick, his draft stock is far from solidified. A recent update has left many wondering where Ewers stands in the eyes of NFL scouts, and what this means for his future in both college football and professional sports.
The Rise of Quinn Ewers
Quinn Ewers has had an interesting journey in college football. Originally a highly-touted recruit from the state of Texas, he committed to Ohio State but transferred back to Texas after just one season. His move to Texas was a highly publicized one, given the state’s strong college football culture and the Longhorns’ history of producing successful quarterbacks.
Ewers entered the 2023 season as Texas’ starting quarterback, following a solid, if uneven, debut season. He had flashes of brilliance but also dealt with some growing pains. Still, there was no doubt that he had the arm talent, physical tools, and potential to develop into an elite quarterback.
In 2023, Ewers elevated his play. He showed improved decision-making, poise under pressure, and leadership. His accuracy, especially on deep balls, was one of the more impressive aspects of his game. He became more consistent, avoiding the kind of mistakes that had plagued his freshman year. These improvements drew the attention of NFL scouts, who started considering him as a future NFL quarterback.
However, as the season progresses, questions still linger. While Ewers is undeniably talented, he has not yet displayed the kind of dominance that would push him into the “surefire top pick” conversation. His decision-making, pocket presence, and ability to handle adversity remain areas of concern. As the Longhorns head into the CFP, these factors could ultimately determine where Ewers stands in the eyes of the NFL, and whether he is ready to make the leap to professional football.
The NFL Draft Update
As the 2023 College Football Playoff draws closer, Ewers has received a “stark” update regarding his draft status. NFL draft experts have been evaluating his performance all season long, and the results have been mixed. On one hand, Ewers has shown he can make all the throws, and his talent is undeniable. His size, arm strength, and mobility suggest that he has the physical tools to succeed at the next level. However, there are concerns about his consistency and the decision-making process.
A recent report indicated that NFL scouts remain divided on Ewers. While some view him as a potential first-round pick, others believe he should return to college for another season to refine his skills. The NFL draft is a game of risk, and teams are always looking for quarterbacks who can be day-one starters. Ewers is viewed as a player with potential, but his rawness and the uncertainty surrounding his development could hurt his draft stock.
The stark update essentially boils down to this: Ewers’ draft status is uncertain. While his physical traits make him a potential first-round pick, his overall development and consistency could keep him out of the first tier of quarterbacks in the 2024 draft class. This uncertainty puts Ewers in a tough spot. If he declares and doesn’t perform well in the NFL, he risks being labeled a bust. On the other hand, returning for another season at Texas could help him hone his skills and possibly become the undisputed top quarterback in the 2025 draft.
The College Football Playoff and Its Impact on Ewers’ Decision
With the College Football Playoff on the horizon, Ewers has a unique opportunity to improve his draft prospects. The CFP is often a showcase for future NFL stars, and a strong performance in the postseason could help Ewers make a compelling case to declare for the NFL draft. A great showing in high-pressure games could push Ewers into the first-round conversation, solidifying his decision to leave Texas for the professional ranks.
However, there is also the potential for the opposite to occur. If Ewers struggles in the playoff or makes critical mistakes in key moments, it could lead to doubts about his readiness for the NFL. As the stakes get higher, the margin for error becomes slimmer, and scouts will be watching closely to see how Ewers handles the big stage.
Ewers’ decision to stay or leave will likely come down to how he performs in the CFP. If he plays well, helping lead Texas deep into the postseason, his draft stock could skyrocket. If not, he may have no choice but to return to Austin for another season of college football. Ultimately, the decision could come down to whether he feels ready to take on the challenge of the NFL or whether he believes another year of college football will help him develop into a more complete quarterback.
Factors to Consider
There are several factors that Ewers will need to weigh when making his decision. The first is his own self-assessment. Does he feel ready to enter the NFL, or does he believe that another year of college football could benefit him? The decision will also depend on the advice he receives from his family, coaching staff, and NFL scouts. Ewers will need to take a hard look at where he stands compared to the rest of the quarterback class, especially when considering potential first-round competition such as Caleb Williams and Drake Maye.
Another factor to consider is the risk of injury. College football is a violent game, and quarterbacks are particularly vulnerable to injury. Ewers may opt to declare for the NFL now, rather than risk an injury in his final year of college football, especially if his draft stock could take a hit in the process.
Finally, Ewers will need to consider his future in the NFL. The league is full of competition for quarterback spots, and some teams may see Ewers as a project rather than a day-one starter. As such, he will need to decide whether he is willing to take on that challenge in the professional ranks or whether he is better off returning for another season of development.
Conclusion
Quinn Ewers is at a crucial juncture in his college football career. The Longhorns’ success in the College Football Playoff could be the deciding factor in whether Ewers decides to declare for the NFL Draft. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, there are still questions about his overall readiness for the next level. The coming weeks will likely be full of speculation, as Ewers must weigh his options and decide whether he is ready to take the leap or whether he would benefit from another season in college. Whatever he decides, the next chapter in his journey will be one to watch closely.