By Dorrington Myers
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room: The future of the Texas quarterback position. Many speculate that Quinn Ewers declared for the draft because he felt he had to, seeing it as his best opportunity. The prevailing belief is that the path is being cleared for Arch Manning to take the reins. Regardless of the reasoning, Ewers has the talent to make this leap, so let’s break it down.
QB Scouting Report
Height: 6-2
Weight: 210
Age: 22
Play style: Pro style
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Physical Attributes
Arm Strength – Possesses a powerful arm capable of making pro-level throws. He can operate effectively in inclement weather as well.
Athleticism – While not a dual-threat quarterback, he has the ability to extend plays when healthy. He can evade initial pressure and execute rollouts.
Frame – Displays a solid frame but would benefit from strength training to better absorb hits at the next level. His durability will remain a question in the minds of the football world.
Tangible Skills
Mechanics – Demonstrates a smooth, seamless release most of the time. Inconsistencies arise when pressure is applied, causing his base to shift off platform.
Accuracy – Highly accurate in most situations but occasionally misses the target. Ewers possesses notable ball-placement skills that set him apart from his peers.
Pocket Presence – Shows flashes of effectively handling pressure but struggles with internal awareness.
Decision-Making – Has moments where he throws into double or triple coverage, which can overshadow the positive aspects of his game . Outside of those lapses, he is capable of making sound decisions with the ball.
Mental attributes
IQ – Displays a high football IQ, capable of handling pre-snap adjustments and protections. He has a knack for making unorthodox plays look good, which is a testament to his improvisational abilities.
Processing Speed – Adept at handling base defenses but needs improvement in post-snap recognition. This can be enhanced through film study and gaining more experience within the offense.
Clutch Performance – Ewers has consistently shown the ability to rise to the occasion in big games. While still working on consistency, there is no doubt he possesses the clutch gene. His performance against Arizona State in the postseason provided a glimpse of his potential in high-pressure moments.
Intangible Skills
Leadership – You don’t have to be loud to be a good leader. Ewers maintains a calm demeanor and has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. His leadership is evident through his play, leaving no room for doubt in this area.
Work Ethic – Early in his career, some perceived Ewers as lacking the focus necessary for success. However, that perception is far from the truth. He is highly focused and dedicated to his craft.
Competitiveness – Ewers thrives on competition and excels in high-stakes situations. His drive to compete is one of his defining traits.
Stats
Completion Percentage: 65.8%
Passing Yards: 3,472
Touchdowns: 31
Interceptions: 12
QBR: 75.5 (21st)
Rushing Touchdowns: 2
Key Games
Peach Bowl vs. Arizona State – Led a second-half charge, finishing 20-of-30 for 322 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception.
Projection/ Comparison
Projection –
I can see Ewers being selected in the late first round or early second round. He has the upside and ability to develop into an NFL starter. While he will need to refine certain aspects of his game, he is undoubtedly a solid prospect.
Comparison –
Ewers most closely resembles Jared Goff. He operates effectively in a clean pocket, excels in play-action situations and demonstrates strong arm talent.
Strengths/Weaknesses
Strengths –
Arm Talent – Ewers makes throwing the ball look effortless. He can make nearly every throw with ease.
Accuracy – His short-to-midrange game is a standout strength, and he is steadily improving his deep-ball accuracy.
Resilience – Ewers embraces tough situations and stays focused on the ultimate goal: winning. He rarely shows visible frustration, and his teammates feed off his calm demeanor, modeling their behavior after his.
Weaknesses –
Errant Throws – At times, Ewers will make passes that leave you scratching your head. Under pressure he occasionally abandons his fundamentals, leading to turnovers and inconsistent play.
Durability – Ewers has missed significant time due to injuries, which have impacted his performance. A major question remains: Can he stay healthy and play a full season?
Post-Snap Processing – This is an area Ewers should prioritize. While he is expected to know and execute the fundamentals, trusting his eyes more consistently will elevate his game.
Dual-Threat Ability – This aspect of his game is nearly nonexistent. Although he has the potential to develop it, the lack of mobility contributes to unnecessary sacks and turnovers.
Final remarks
Quinn Ewers is a quarterback with tremendous upside and all the tools required to become a successful NFL starter. He boasts exceptional arm talent, pinpoint accuracy, and a continually growing football IQ. With further development in key areas, Ewers has the potential to thrive, especially in a system like that of the Detroit Lions. His ability is undeniable, and I’m confident in his potential.
