One of the big question marks heading into the 2025 NFL Draft is where Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers will land. A few experts may have an idea.
The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman released their latest mock draft on Tuesday and they've projected Ewers to be taken in the second round by the Seattle Seahawks at No. 50. Dochterman suggested that it may be time for the NFC West franchise to start looking into potential future replacements for 34-year-old Geno Smith, who signed a three-year deal worth up to $75 million in 2023.
Ewers officially declared for the NFL Draft earlier this month, ending weeks of speculation over whether he'd leave for the pros or enter the transfer portal and stay in college for another season. He made a big impact during his three-year stint as Texas' starter, leading the Longhorns to back-to-back trips to the College Football Playoff semifinals. The Southlake, TX, native leaves Austin as the program's third all-time leading passer behind Colt McCoy and Sam Ehlinger.
Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3).
Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Despite his success, Ewers took the brunt of criticism throughout his career for inconsistent play in key spots. Last month's SEC Championship Game against Georgia comes to mind as a recent example, as he went 27-46 through the air for 358 yards with just one touchdown to two interceptions in an eventual overtime loss. Some Texas fans and pundits called for the veteran QB to be benched for backup Arch Manning, who will take the reigns as the Longhorn starter in 2025.
As far as his NFL Draft prospects are concerned, most draft analysts have pegged him as a mid-late second round pick, which falls right in line with Baumgardner and Dochterman's projection. Analysts like CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso have touted his "arm arrogance" and athleticism, but have also said that his arm strength and accuracy leave a lot to be desired.
With the aforementioned Smith entrenched at the Seahawks' starter, Ewers would be relegated to a backup role as a rookie should he go to Seattle and would most likely be third-string on the depth chart behind current backup Sam Howell. With Smith and Howell both set to become unrestricted free agents in 2026, Ewers could have a shot to compete for the starting job in his second season.
