In the swirl of NFL draft day decisions, the Miami Dolphins made a surprising and potentially pivotal move by selecting Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers in the seventh round. This decision is part of a broader strategy to solidify the team’s quarterback roster, especially after a season fraught with challenges for starting QB Tua Tagovailoa.
Chris Grier’s Offseason Game Plan
Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier emphasized the need for robust backup options following Tagovailoa’s injury-prone season in 2024, where he missed a career-high six games. The addition of Quinn Ewers is seen as a cornerstone of this new strategy. Earlier in the offseason, Miami also signed seasoned quarterback Zach Wilson, suggesting a deliberate push to deepen their talent pool in this critical position.
The Scouting Journey: Finding Quinn Ewers
The journey to drafting Ewers was marked by meticulous scouting and strategic foresight. Chris Grier and coach Mike McDaniel first noticed Ewers at Texas’ pro day in 2024, drawing significant insights from conversations with Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian. Sarkisian praised Ewers for his resilience and mental fortitude, especially noteworthy during a challenging season marked by injuries and intense competition.
“Sark really likes him and was high on him, talking about him playing through the injuries this year—which affected his play a little bit,” Grier noted. “But he talked about his toughness, his mental toughness pushing through with the injury, the expectations, all the pressure with Manning there coming in. He loved his competitiveness and how he plays, and how his teammates respond to him.”
Ewers’ Collegiate Legacy and Mental Toughness
Quinn Ewers left a significant mark at Texas, becoming the Longhorns’ all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. His tenure at Texas was not without its trials; he battled through an oblique tear and a high ankle sprain during his final season, which saw him fully healthy for only three games. Despite these setbacks, Ewers managed to lead his team to a commendable 21-5 record over two seasons, including back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances.
Reflecting on his college career, Ewers said, “I enjoy going through adversity because I know I have a plan of attack. Anything that happened to me my last college years, I knew was only going to help me.”
As summer approaches, the spotlight will be on Ewers as he prepares to compete with Zach Wilson for the Dolphins’ backup quarterback spot. His entry into the NFL marks another chapter in a career defined by overcoming adversity and proving resilience.
This strategic draft pick by the Miami Dolphins not only strengthens their quarterback lineup but also positions them better for future challenges. As Ewers steps onto the field, all eyes will be on how this seventh-round pick might just turn the tides for Miami in the coming seasons.
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