Quinn Ewers is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2022 recruiting class. He has a strong arm, good accuracy, and the ability to make plays with his feet.
Some have compared his playing style and potential to that of former Ohio State quarterback and current NFL starter Justin Fields. Ewers will likely have a bright future at the college level and could potentially become a high draft pick in the NFL if he continues to develop.
Vitals
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Class: Sophomore (RS)
- Projected Draft Range: 1st Round
Overview
Quinn Ewers is one of the most hyped quarterbacks in college football, known for his natural arm talent, poise, and playmaking ability. As a former five-star recruit and top high school prospect, Ewers possesses all the physical tools desired in a pro-style NFL quarterback. His time at Texas has showcased his elite arm strength, confidence, and ability to perform under pressure. However, he will need to fine-tune his mechanics and improve his consistency in high-pressure situations to maximize his NFL potential.
Strengths
- Exceptional Arm Talent: Ewers boasts elite arm strength, allowing him to make throws to all areas of the field. He can deliver high-velocity passes and throw deep with accuracy, effortlessly reaching his targets. His arm strength allows him to hit tight windows that many quarterbacks cannot, making him a big-play threat on any down.
- Natural Thrower with Quick Release: Ewers’ mechanics are smooth, with a quick, compact throwing motion. He can throw accurately from various platforms, showing excellent balance and control on off-schedule throws. His quick release helps him beat defenders to tight windows, especially in quick-passing situations.
- Pocket Presence and Poise: Ewers has shown an impressive ability to stand tall in the pocket, even when facing pressure. He keeps his eyes downfield, maneuvering the pocket skillfully to buy time for his receivers to get open. His poise in high-pressure moments shows a maturity beyond his years and is one of his standout qualities.
- Accuracy and Ball Placement: Ewers has demonstrated excellent touch and precision, especially on intermediate throws and deep routes. His ball placement allows his receivers to make plays after the catch, and he has a knack for putting the ball where only his target can reach it. His accuracy shines when he’s in rhythm and allowed to make quick decisions.
- Playmaking Ability and Confidence: Ewers plays with a confidence that often translates into big plays. He’s willing to take risks, threading throws into tight coverage and challenging defenders deep. This fearless style can turn a stalled drive into a big gain quickly, giving his team a chance to score on any possession.
Areas for Improvement
- Consistency in Decision-Making: While Ewers has great arm talent, he occasionally forces throws or attempts risky passes, especially under pressure. His confidence can lead him to take unnecessary risks rather than opting for safer options, which has led to interceptions. Developing better situational awareness and field vision will help him avoid costly mistakes in the NFL.
- Mechanics and Footwork: Ewers has a tendency to rely on his arm talent rather than his footwork, which can lead to inconsistent throws. Improving his lower-body mechanics will help him deliver more accurate passes consistently and improve his control, especially on timing routes and throws over the middle.
- Pressure Management: Although Ewers is generally poised in the pocket, his decision-making can become inconsistent under heavy pressure. When faced with relentless pressure, he sometimes reverts to risky plays rather than throwing the ball away or taking the check-down. Enhancing his ability to manage pressure will be important as NFL defenses will capitalize on any lapses in judgment.
- Injury Concerns: Ewers has dealt with some injury issues during his time at Texas, which has raised questions about his durability. NFL teams will want to see that he can stay healthy and productive through a full season to ensure he can withstand the rigors of a professional schedule.
NFL Comparison
Quinn Ewers’ skill set has drawn comparisons to quarterbacks like Derek Carr or Matthew Stafford due to his arm talent, quick release, and potential to make big plays. Like Stafford, Ewers has the tools to deliver pinpoint throws from multiple angles, but will need to refine his decision-making to reach his ceiling.
Summary
Quinn Ewers is a top-tier quarterback prospect with the arm talent, poise, and playmaking skills that NFL teams covet. His natural throwing ability and knack for making big plays make him a potential franchise quarterback, especially in a pro-style offense that values downfield passing. However, to reach his full potential at the NFL level, he will need to improve his decision-making under pressure, refine his footwork, and prove his durability. With the right development, Ewers has the potential to be a high-impact starter in the NFL and a cornerstone player for a quarterback-needy franchise.