Why Quinn Ewers Entering the 2025 NFL Draft is the Right Decision
Quinn Ewers, the highly touted quarterback for the University of Texas, has become one of the most discussed figures in college football over the past few years. After initially making a name for himself as a generational prospect, his journey has included a year-long detour at Ohio State before eventually returning to Texas. As the 2024 season approaches its conclusion, speculation surrounding Ewers’ decision to enter the 2025 NFL Draft is heating up. Given his accomplishments thus far, and the future prospects of his career, entering the NFL Draft is not just a good decision—it is the right one.
1. Ewers’ Physical Tools and Skill Set
At 6’2” and 213 pounds, Ewers possesses the physical traits that NFL scouts covet in a quarterback. He has a strong, powerful arm capable of making every throw on the field, from deep bombs to tight-window throws across the middle. His arm strength, combined with his quick release, allows him to be a threat on any part of the field. Ewers is also mobile, with the ability to escape pressure and make plays on the run, although his mobility is more about extending plays rather than designed runs.
One of the most significant aspects of Ewers’ game is his ability to drive the ball downfield with velocity, a trait that has made him a favorite of scouts. His deep ball accuracy has shown substantial improvement during his time at Texas, and his confidence in throwing into tight coverage has been one of his standout traits.
Though Ewers’ performance is not perfect, and like any young quarterback, there are areas of his game that could use refinement—particularly in reading defenses quickly and limiting turnovers—his physical tools are already at an elite level. Scouts are typically willing to overlook some of the rough edges of a quarterback’s game if they see the raw talent to develop into a franchise player, and Ewers certainly fits that bill.
2. His College Performance and Development
Ewers’ path to the NFL Draft has not been a traditional one. After being one of the most highly ranked high school quarterbacks in the country, he initially enrolled at Ohio State before transferring to Texas in 2022. While his freshman year at Texas wasn’t perfect, he showed flashes of brilliance, including a solid performance in a dramatic win over Alabama.
In his sophomore season, Ewers began to take significant strides. His passing stats were impressive, with him finishing among the top quarterbacks in the Big 12. More importantly, his ability to manage games and take advantage of his offensive weapons has improved dramatically. Head coach Steve Sarkisian’s system has given Ewers a chance to grow and develop as a passer while also playing to his strengths. He’s become a much more consistent quarterback, showing more command over his decision-making and his reads.
While Texas has had mixed results during his tenure—especially during key games—it is clear that Ewers’ development trajectory points upward. His rise as a leader on the field and his ability to perform under pressure suggest that he will be ready for the next level.
3. Competitive Landscape at Texas
Entering the NFL Draft after his third year in college makes sense for Ewers, not only due to his physical and mental development but also due to the state of his team at Texas. While the Longhorns have a promising future, Ewers might be facing the stiffest competition of his career in 2024.
Texas is entering the SEC in 2024, which will mark a significant shift in the competition and the level of talent across the board. The SEC is known for its brutal defenses, and while this could be a challenge for Ewers, it also makes a compelling case for entering the draft. If he were to stay for his senior season, he would have to prove himself in arguably the toughest conference in college football, and that could potentially risk injury or hurt his draft stock if his performance dips in the face of stiffer competition.
By entering the 2025 NFL Draft, Ewers avoids the risk of exposure to a highly competitive conference that could magnify any flaws in his game. This is particularly crucial in a year where several quarterbacks in college football are considered to be on the verge of breaking out. If Ewers stays and doesn’t elevate his play in 2024, he could be overshadowed by players from the SEC or elsewhere, which might damage his stock.
Additionally, as Texas prepares to join the SEC, the team might undergo a transition period, which could affect Ewers’ development. Although this presents a growth opportunity, it’s also a potential risk. Ewers would be wise to capitalize on his current level of performance before entering a tougher league where his transition might be delayed by other on-field challenges.
4. Business and Financial Considerations
Another key factor that makes entering the NFL Draft the right decision is the financial opportunity it presents. Ewers is expected to be a high draft pick in 2025, with many projecting him to go in the first round. While college football has been a lucrative avenue for players through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, the financial upside of being drafted into the NFL far outweighs staying in college.
For a player like Ewers, the decision to leave college early for the NFL Draft is also a sound business decision. An early departure could secure him a multi-million-dollar rookie contract, including signing bonuses, endorsements, and the potential for future earning power as a franchise quarterback. The salary cap and rookie contracts in the NFL provide players with financial stability and long-term earning potential, something that college football, no matter how lucrative the NIL deals may be, simply cannot match.
At a certain point, the risks of staying in college outweigh the rewards. Injuries, inconsistent play, and the potential of diminishing returns in terms of growth as a player all factor into the equation. Given Ewers’ talent and the long-term prospects for his professional career, entering the draft early allows him to start his NFL career sooner, maximizing his earning potential over the long haul.
5. The Need for Quarterbacks in the NFL
The NFL is always on the lookout for franchise quarterbacks, and the 2025 draft class is expected to feature several promising signal-callers. However, Ewers stands out due to his combination of arm talent, mobility, and the potential for growth. NFL teams in need of a quarterback will be especially intrigued by Ewers, as he is one of the most intriguing prospects at the position.
At a time when the demand for quarterbacks has never been higher, entering the draft ensures Ewers gets in on the ground floor of his professional career. With several teams in rebuilding phases, there are opportunities for quarterbacks like Ewers to step in and potentially start early. This could be a perfect opportunity for him to build a career similar to other young quarterbacks who entered the league and quickly became cornerstones for their teams.
6. Personal and Professional Timing
From a personal perspective, Ewers may feel that he has achieved all he can at the collegiate level. He’s shown that he can compete with some of the best college athletes in the nation, and his desire to take the next step in his career might outweigh any desire to chase a national championship. While there is value in staying another year to win a title, the risk of injury or a drop in performance could overshadow that.
Furthermore, the opportunity to be mentored by NFL professionals and be coached at the next level is an appealing prospect. The development that Ewers could experience in an NFL system, where coaches and resources are focused solely on preparing him for success in the pros, could accelerate his growth as a quarterback. With his natural talent, the right coaching could see him blossom into a top-tier NFL player.
Conclusion
In the end, Quinn Ewers entering the 2025 NFL Draft is the right decision for a multitude of reasons. His physical talent, his development in college, and the business and personal considerations all point to a successful transition to the next level. While the allure of a national championship or continued college growth may be tempting, the NFL offers greater opportunities in terms of career longevity, financial reward, and personal development. For Ewers, this is the right time to capitalize on his immense potential and take the next step toward becoming a star in the NFL.
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