Texas QB Quinn Ewers Declares for NFL Draft After College Football Playoff

Overview

Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers has declared for the 2023 NFL Draft, forgoing his remaining eligibility with the Longhorns. The decision comes after a promising sophomore season in which Ewers led Texas to a 8-5 record and a berth in the Alamo Bowl. Ewers’ decision to enter the draft highlights the growing trend of underclassmen leaving college early to pursue NFL careers.

Ewers’ College Career and NFL Prospects

Ewers, a 5-star recruit, arrived at Texas with high expectations after transferring from Ohio State. He started 9 games as a freshman in 2022, completing 65.2% of his passes for 2,177 yards with 15 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Despite missing several games due to injury, Ewers showed flashes of his potential, including a memorable performance in a win over Oklahoma.

NFL scouts are intrigued by Ewers’ combination of size (6’2″, 220 lbs), arm strength, and mobility. He is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft and is projected to be selected in the first round.

Impact on Texas Football

Ewers’ departure is a significant blow to Texas’ offense. He was expected to be the team’s starting quarterback in 2023 and lead the Longhorns into the SEC. Texas now faces a quarterback competition between Hudson Card, Maalik Murphy, and Arch Manning, the highly touted recruit who is set to join the program in 2023.

Critics’ Perspective

Some critics argue that Ewers is making a mistake by leaving college early. He has only played in 9 games as a starter and could benefit from another year of development. Additionally, the NFL is a highly competitive league, and Ewers may not be ready to succeed at the professional level.

Supporters’ Perspective

Supporters of Ewers’ decision point to his NFL Draft projections as evidence that he is ready for the next level. They argue that he has shown enough potential to warrant being drafted in the first round and that he can continue to develop in the NFL.

Historical Considerations

Ewers’ decision to leave college early is a growing trend in modern college football. In recent years, an increasing number of elite underclassmen have declared for the NFL Draft, including Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, and Bryce Young. This trend is likely due to the highly lucrative contracts available in the NFL, as well as the desire to avoid potential injuries and wear-and-tear in college.

Conclusion

Quinn Ewers’ decision to declare for the NFL Draft is a complex one with both pros and cons. While he is considered a top prospect and is likely to be selected in the first round, he is also giving up another year of college eligibility and missing out on the opportunity to develop further. Ultimately, the decision is up to Ewers and his family, and he should weigh all the factors carefully before making a final decision.

Ewers’ decision also highlights the changing landscape of college football, where elite underclassmen are increasingly leaving college early to pursue NFL careers. This trend has significant implications for college teams, who must now find ways to retain their best players and adapt to the new realities of the game.