The NFL Draft is just days away, but for Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers, the spotlight isn’t all flattering. Despite throwing for 3,472 yards and 31 touchdowns last season, Ewers’ draft stock is teetering on a razor’s edge. Depending on who you ask, he’s either a Day 1 sensation or a developmental Day 2 pick.
NFL insider Tom Pelissero recently dropped a piece highlighting the top 18 prospects through the eyes of league insiders, placing Ewers squarely in the second to third-round range. But it’s the whispers behind the scenes that are now grabbing headlines—and they’re not exactly glowing.
Brutal Take from the AFC: “He’s Just Not a Starter”
An anonymous AFC executive didn’t hold back when evaluating Ewers. While acknowledging his growth under Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian, the exec was quick to raise red flags about the quarterback’s durability and physical tools.
“He’s a good player. He’s got timing and anticipation. He’s been coached well. And Steve—I think they’re a little careful. But he’s more player than talent. He’s just not a big kid (6-2/8, 214). He’s been hurt every year since high school. The arm’s very average. There’s not a lot of talent there. He’s not a starter. He’s a distributor. He’s a point guard. He ain’t going to push it down the field.”
That kind of candor doesn’t just rattle draft boards—it reverberates across front offices, especially for teams eyeing a long-term franchise QB.
Injury History Shadows His Promise
Ewers’ college career was marred by injuries, forcing him to miss time even during a pivotal season in 2023. While he shined in stretches, backup Arch Manning seized the spotlight in his absence, fueling doubts about Ewers’ long-term viability.
Though undeniably skilled, Ewers’ resilience and physicality remain open questions. For some teams, that’s a risk they’re unwilling to take early in the draft.
Steve Smith Jr. Sounds Off: “The Quarterback Was Off-Target… Late”
If the critique from an AFC exec wasn’t harsh enough, former Carolina Panthers star Steve Smith Sr. added fuel to the fire. On April 10, the ex-Pro Bowler didn’t mince words during a video shared by Attack! On Cowboys. His take? Quinn Ewers is partly to blame for the lackluster draft buzz surrounding Texas receivers Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond.
“I will say the biggest issue with Texas when watching the receivers is I saw a lot of times, the quarterback was off-target, sometimes late. And he resisted the opportunity to throw the deep ball when guys were open. And later down the field, he’s more of a guy who likes to anticipate and throw a little bit earlier because of the lack of consistent arm strength.”
Smith’s sharp analysis cuts straight to the core of Ewers’ criticism: his arm. While Ewers may have the mechanics and a football IQ that coaches can work with, the apparent lack of elite arm strength is a recurring theme that could tank his chances of being a Day 1 starter in the NFL.
Decision-Making Woes Could Be the Final Nail
Renowned analyst Todd McShay echoed similar concerns in his latest evaluations, pointing directly at Ewers’ decision-making under pressure. According to McShay, the Longhorns’ QB has plenty of work to do when it comes to reading defenses quickly and executing with confidence in the pocket.
These aren’t minor footnotes—they’re red flags for any team banking on a high pick to deliver immediate results. As McShay sees it, Ewers might need time behind a seasoned veteran before he’s ready to take the reins.
Final Word: A Developmental Bet or Day 2 Bust?
With so many contrasting opinions and a draft clock ticking, Quinn Ewers remains one of the most polarizing names in this year’s quarterback class. He’s got the stats. He’s shown flashes. But with questions about his health, arm strength, and decision-making looming large, NFL teams will have to decide: is Ewers a long-term project worth nurturing or a gamble best avoided?
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