Quinn Ewers has a big decision in front of him.
The 21-year-old could return to remain a quarterback at Texas, well aware of Arch Manning looming on the bench. The former top high school recruit in 2022 and am Ohio State transfer, there’s also chance that Ewers tunes up his pro potential at a third program.
Should Ewers choose to forgo his remaining college eligibility and opt to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, however, he would have some first-round potential. Although he wouldn’t jump prospects such as Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Miami’s Cam Ward and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe to go close to No. 1 overall, his stock remains high.
Ewers has many pleasing NFL traits with downfield pocket passing accuracy, efficiecy and the athleticism to create with his feet when needed. Here’s looking at five teams who would consider drafting the Texas QB.
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Russell Wilson has been an exceptional bridge, with an assist from Justin Fields, to help the team recover well from the misstep of drafting Kenny Pickett in the first round in 2022. Ewers has a lot of qualities that suggest he can do well in their offense under Arthur Smith if Pittsburgh ready to take another early short at a longer-term QB solution.
The Seahawks have been succeeding with Geno Smith but he still caps their ceiling in the new-looking passing game under Ryan Grubb. Grubb worked well with Michael Panix Jr. in college at Washington and can have the same effect in developing Ewers quickly in the NFL with their up-tempo attack.
The clock keeps ticking on Matthew Stafford’s career ahead of him turning 37 in February. At some point, the Rams will need to commit a high pick on his successor. Getting Ewers groomed under Sean McVay and getting ahead of when Stafford walks away would be smart.
The Colts may have seen enough of Anthony Richardson in less than two seasons of action under Shane Steichen to pivot to another youngster in the first round. Ewers also has the qualities to be effective in a scheme playing off the traditonal power run to set up downfield passing.
The Saints are facing another salary-cap nightmare and will need to get creative to move on from Derek Carr. But Carr, before his multiple injury issues, proved he was capped in the new offense of Klint Kubiak and neither Jake Haener neither Spencer Rattler look worthy of starting full-time. Ewers could end up being their version of Brock Purdy in the 49ers’ adjacent passing game.
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