Quinn Ewers to the NFL: Smart Career Move or Premature Gamble?
Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers has reportedly decided to declare for the NFL Draft following the conclusion of the 2024 college football season. While the decision aligns with Ewers’ meteoric rise as one of college football’s most intriguing quarterback prospects, it has sparked debate across the football world. Is Ewers ready to make the leap, or is this move too soon for the former five-star recruit who has only recently solidified his footing at the collegiate level?
Ewers’ choice to forgo additional eligibility is significant not only for his career trajectory but also for the Longhorns program, which has experienced a resurgence under Steve Sarkisian. With Texas heading to the SEC in 2024, the stakes for both Ewers and the Longhorns couldn’t be higher. Let’s dive into the factors behind this decision, the arguments for and against it, and what it means for Ewers, Texas, and the NFL.
Ewers’ Journey: From High School Star to College Phenom
Quinn Ewers has been under the spotlight since his high school days at Southlake Carroll in Texas, where he was heralded as one of the most highly rated quarterback recruits in recent memory. His incredible arm talent, accuracy, and ability to make off-platform throws earned him comparisons to NFL stars like Patrick Mahomes.
Ewers initially committed to Ohio State, but after a brief stint in Columbus where he barely saw the field, he transferred back to his home state to join the Texas Longhorns. Since arriving in Austin, Ewers has demonstrated glimpses of brilliance, particularly in high-profile matchups like Texas’ thrilling victory over Alabama in 2023.
Now, heading into his third year at Texas, Ewers is expected to be a centerpiece of the team’s transition to the SEC. But with his NFL aspirations now firmly in focus, the question becomes: is he ready to take the next step after 2024?
Why Declaring for the NFL Draft After 2024 Makes Sense
There are several reasons why declaring for the draft after the 2024 season could be a smart move for Ewers:
1. The NFL Clock Is Ticking
For elite quarterback prospects, timing is everything. With the NFL increasingly valuing young quarterbacks who can grow within a team’s system, staying in college too long can sometimes hurt a player’s draft stock. If Ewers delivers a strong 2024 campaign, his physical tools and ceiling could make him a top prospect in what might be a weaker quarterback class.
2. Longhorns’ SEC Transition Will Test His Mettle
Texas’ move to the SEC in 2024 gives Ewers the perfect stage to showcase his talent against the nation’s toughest competition. Success in the SEC is often viewed as a litmus test for NFL readiness, and if Ewers excels, his draft stock could skyrocket.
3. Injury Risk in College Football
Football is inherently risky, and staying in college longer increases the chance of a career-altering injury. Declaring after 2024 allows Ewers to capitalize on his health and potential while avoiding the wear and tear of another year at the collegiate level.
4. NIL Earnings Cushion the Risk
Unlike players of previous generations, Ewers has already secured significant financial stability through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. His early NIL success gives him the freedom to pursue the NFL without worrying about financial security, even if his rookie contract isn’t immediately lucrative.
The Counterargument: Is Ewers Ready for the NFL?
While the decision to declare might seem logical on the surface, there are valid reasons to question whether Ewers will be fully prepared for the NFL after 2024.
1. Limited Experience
Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance, but his college career has been relatively short. Inconsistent performances, injuries, and competition for playing time have limited his body of work. For NFL teams, a small sample size can make evaluations tricky, potentially causing Ewers to slip in the draft if scouts aren’t convinced of his readiness.
2. Development Opportunities in College
Another year in Sarkisian’s quarterback-friendly system could provide Ewers with additional time to polish his mechanics, improve his decision-making, and solidify his leadership skills. Players like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert benefited from extended time in college, entering the NFL as fully developed prospects who could contribute immediately.
3. The Risk of Declaring in a Stacked Draft Class
The 2024 NFL Draft is already shaping up to feature elite quarterback talent, including Caleb Williams and Drake Maye. While the 2025 class is less certain, declaring in a crowded year could hurt Ewers’ draft positioning, even if he has a strong season. Waiting another year could give him a clearer path to being a top pick.
What This Means for the Longhorns
Ewers’ decision to declare for the draft after the 2024 season has significant implications for Texas. As the Longhorns prepare for life in the SEC, they are counting on Ewers to lead the program into its next era.
If Ewers departs, Texas will need to rely on its next generation of quarterbacks, including highly touted recruits Arch Manning and Maalik Murphy. While both players have immense potential, replacing an experienced starter like Ewers is no small task, especially in a conference as competitive as the SEC.
For Sarkisian, managing this transition will be critical. Success in 2024 could boost Texas’ recruiting efforts and solidify the program’s standing in its new conference, but losing Ewers prematurely could set back the team’s progress.
How Ewers Stacks Up as a Draft Prospect
Assuming Ewers declares for the draft, where might he land? Here’s how he currently projects as a prospect:
• Strengths:
• Exceptional arm strength and accuracy.
• Elite playmaking ability under pressure.
• High football IQ and ability to read defenses.
• Weaknesses:
• Inconsistent performances in key moments.
• Limited mobility compared to dual-threat quarterbacks.
• A relatively small sample size of elite-level games.
Ewers’ draft stock will largely depend on his performance in 2024, particularly against SEC competition. If he thrives, he could be a first-round pick. However, a lackluster season or injury could push him into the middle rounds, making his decision to declare more of a gamble.
Conclusion: A Decision That Will Define Ewers’ Future
Quinn Ewers’ plan to declare for the NFL Draft after the 2024 season is bold, ambitious, and fraught with risks. While his immense talent and potential make him an exciting prospect, questions about his readiness and the depth of his college experience loom large.
For Ewers, the 2024 season will be pivotal—not only for his draft stock but for his long-term career in football. With Texas moving to the SEC, he has the chance to prove himself on the biggest stage, silencing doubters and solidifying his status as an elite prospect.
Ultimately, whether this decision is “sense” or “nonsense” will depend on how Ewers performs in 2024 and how he stacks up against his peers in the NFL Draft. For now, one thing is clear: the stakes for Quinn Ewers have never been higher, and the football world will be watching.