As the college football season nears its end and NFL scouts begin their evaluations of the top prospects, all eyes are turning to potential first-round quarterbacks. Among the names drawing significant attention is Quinn Ewers, the Texas Longhorns’ quarterback, who has been regarded as a potential NFL star since his high school days. But as the draft conversation intensifies, one notable figure in the football world, ESPN analyst Todd McShay, recently shared a brutally honest take on Ewers that has sparked considerable debate. McShay’s critique of the young quarterback has left many fans and analysts divided, with some agreeing with his assessment and others defending Ewers’ potential. So, what did McShay say about the Texas QB, and why has his evaluation stirred up so much controversy?
McShay’s Ruthless Critique of Ewers
During a segment on ESPN’s coverage of the college football playoff, Todd McShay offered a sharp and candid analysis of Ewers, who has been considered one of the top quarterback prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft. McShay didn’t mince words when discussing Ewers’ prospects, calling into question his ability to succeed at the next level, despite the hype surrounding him. While acknowledging Ewers’ talent and natural ability, McShay was quick to point out several areas of concern in his game, particularly his consistency, decision-making, and mechanics.
One of the primary issues McShay highlighted was Ewers’ inconsistency in both his play on the field and his decision-making. McShay pointed out that while Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance, including his ability to make impressive deep throws and play with poise in key moments, he often struggles with accuracy and judgment. McShay was especially critical of Ewers’ ability to read defenses and make quick, accurate throws under pressure—two qualities that are essential for a successful NFL quarterback.
Ewers’ mechanics were also a point of concern for McShay. Despite his raw arm strength and impressive talent, McShay noted that Ewers’ throwing motion is often unrefined, which can lead to inconsistencies in his accuracy. While his physical tools are undeniable, McShay stressed that the NFL demands a level of precision and timing that Ewers has yet to consistently demonstrate. McShay argued that Ewers will need to make significant adjustments to his mechanics and decision-making in order to succeed at the next level.
The Buzz Surrounding Ewers
Quinn Ewers’ path to the NFL has been anything but conventional. After a highly touted high school career, which saw him become the top-ranked quarterback in the 2022 recruiting class, Ewers made headlines by reclassifying and enrolling at Ohio State. However, after just one season as a backup at Ohio State, Ewers transferred to Texas, where he immediately took over as the Longhorns’ starting quarterback. His time at Texas has been marked by both highs and lows, with flashes of brilliance mixed with stretches of inconsistency.
Despite these fluctuations, the draft buzz surrounding Ewers has been largely positive. Many experts see the 6’2″, 214-pound quarterback as a potential franchise QB, thanks to his combination of size, arm strength, and mobility. Some scouts even view Ewers as one of the top quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft class, projecting him as a future first-round pick if he can continue to develop and refine his game over the next season.
Throughout his time at Texas, Ewers has had some standout performances, including his impressive showing against Oklahoma State in 2023, where he passed for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, his ability to stretch the field with his deep ball has caught the attention of many NFL evaluators, and his leadership on the field has earned praise from both coaches and teammates.
However, McShay’s critique reveals the skepticism that exists among some NFL experts regarding Ewers’ overall potential. While the physical traits are there, there are still questions about whether he can clean up the rough edges in his game to become a reliable and consistent NFL starter. As the 2025 draft approaches, many are wondering if Ewers’ draft stock will rise or fall based on his performance in the coming months.
The Importance of Consistency for Ewers
The key takeaway from McShay’s evaluation of Ewers is the need for consistency. Throughout his college career, Ewers has demonstrated moments of brilliance, but he has also shown a tendency to struggle with accuracy and timing at times. In the NFL, where every throw matters and the competition is much fiercer, the ability to perform consistently under pressure is crucial.
Quarterbacks who are prone to making erratic throws, or who struggle with reading defenses, often find it difficult to succeed at the next level. McShay made it clear that, for Ewers to realize his full potential, he will need to fix some of these issues in the final stages of his college career and show that he can perform at a high level week in and week out.
This is especially important for a quarterback who is projected to be a high draft pick. Teams that are selecting quarterbacks early in the first round are typically looking for a player who can step in and contribute right away. If Ewers is to become that player, he will need to show that he can be more than just a “high ceiling” prospect; he needs to prove that he can deliver on a consistent basis in a variety of situations.
Reactions to McShay’s Take
McShay’s blunt assessment of Ewers has not been without its critics. Many Longhorns fans and college football analysts have come to Ewers’ defense, arguing that he is still a young quarterback with significant upside. Some point to his improvement over the course of the 2023 season as evidence that he is capable of addressing his flaws and developing into a strong NFL prospect.
Additionally, some observers note that quarterback development is a long-term process, and that many young quarterbacks struggle with consistency in their early years before finally breaking through. There are comparisons to other quarterbacks who were considered raw coming out of college, such as Josh Allen and Justin Herbert, both of whom initially faced questions about their mechanics and decision-making but went on to become franchise quarterbacks in the NFL.
On the other hand, McShay’s critics argue that his comments reflect a reality that many fans and analysts are reluctant to accept: not every highly touted prospect will live up to expectations. The road from college to the NFL is a difficult one, and McShay’s comments serve as a reminder that even a player with immense physical talent must refine their skills in order to succeed at the highest level.
Conclusion
Todd McShay’s ruthless take on Quinn Ewers has added a layer of intrigue to the 2025 NFL Draft discussions. While many still view Ewers as one of the top quarterback prospects in the class, McShay’s critique raises important questions about his ability to succeed in the NFL. As the draft process continues, Ewers will have ample opportunity to prove his doubters wrong by showing improvement in key areas such as consistency, decision-making, and mechanics. For now, the debate rages on: is Ewers the next big NFL star, or will he fall short of the lofty expectations placed on him? Only time will tell.