Quinn Ewers, a talented quarterback from the University of Texas, has shown immense potential in his early career.

As a highly regarded recruit, he entered college football with great expectations and the kind of raw talent that could translate into a successful NFL career. However, like many players before him, Ewers is not immune to the challenges and pitfalls that can threaten his future in the sport. While his potential is undeniable, there are serious issues that might endanger his prospects of a successful NFL career.

One of the biggest problems that could derail Ewers’ future is inconsistency. At the collegiate level, Ewers has experienced some moments of brilliance but also stretches where his play has left much to be desired. This inconsistency can be seen both in his decision-making and his ability to execute under pressure. NFL teams are known for valuing players who can perform at a high level week in and week out, and any signs of inconsistency in a player’s game could make scouts and general managers hesitate to invest in them.

The Pressure of Expectations

From the moment Ewers entered high school, he was viewed as a generational talent. He was often compared to some of the best quarterbacks in recent history, with many analysts projecting him to be the top pick in the NFL Draft if he could live up to the hype. The pressure that comes with such lofty expectations can be overwhelming, and it can affect a player’s development.

For Ewers, the expectations only increased when he chose to leave high school early and enroll at Ohio State. Despite being an incredibly gifted player, his time at Ohio State did not go as planned. With limited playing time behind Justin Fields, Ewers ultimately transferred to the University of Texas, where he was expected to be the savior of the Longhorns’ program. But the high expectations that followed him to Austin could have an unintended consequence: the pressure to perform at a high level from day one.

The weight of these expectations can cause quarterbacks to rush their development, making them force throws and take unnecessary risks. This is a pattern that can be seen in Ewers’ early career. At times, he has tried to do too much, forcing balls into tight windows or making ill-advised throws under pressure. This tendency can lead to turnovers and mistakes that undermine his growth as a quarterback and his overall consistency.

Inconsistent Mechanics

Another serious issue that could hinder Ewers’ NFL future is his inconsistent mechanics. Quarterback play at the NFL level is highly technical, and every NFL quarterback must have near-flawless mechanics to succeed. Unfortunately, Ewers has not yet demonstrated the type of consistent footwork and throwing mechanics that NFL teams demand. He’s shown the ability to make all the necessary throws, but his mechanics sometimes break down under pressure, leading to inaccurate passes and poor decision-making.

Ewers’ throwing motion is often described as “loose” or “unrefined,” meaning that his release point and follow-through can vary from throw to throw. His footwork also lacks the precision that elite quarterbacks possess. There have been times when his feet are not set properly before throwing, which compromises his accuracy and velocity. Inconsistent mechanics not only affect the trajectory of passes but can also impact a quarterback’s ability to process defenses quickly and make accurate reads.

NFL quarterbacks are often judged based on their ability to throw from various platforms—whether it’s from the pocket, on the run, or under duress. While Ewers has shown promise in his ability to make throws from different angles, his inconsistent mechanics may prevent him from reaching the level of precision and accuracy that NFL teams demand. For quarterbacks in the NFL, the margin for error is incredibly small, and Ewers’ mechanical issues may be magnified against stronger, faster defenses.

The Decision-Making Process

One of the key elements of a successful NFL quarterback is their ability to make quick and sound decisions under pressure. Unfortunately, this is an area where Ewers has struggled at times. Throughout his career, he has shown a tendency to make poor decisions when under duress, which has resulted in turnovers and missed opportunities. This is a major red flag for NFL teams, who place a premium on a quarterback’s ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and avoid costly mistakes.

Ewers has a tendency to lock onto his primary target and fail to read the entire field. This can result in defenders reading his eyes and jumping the route, leading to interceptions. In the NFL, where defenses are more sophisticated and aggressive, this lack of awareness could lead to even more turnovers and lost opportunities. While Ewers has the arm talent to make most of the throws required of him, his ability to make split-second decisions will be critical for his future success.

Additionally, Ewers has at times struggled with his ability to handle pressure. There have been games where he has become rattled and failed to perform at a high level when facing strong pass rushes. In the NFL, the speed and complexity of defenses are magnified, and quarterbacks who are unable to keep their composure under pressure often struggle. The ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver the ball accurately when the pocket is collapsing is something that separates good quarterbacks from great ones. If Ewers cannot develop this aspect of his game, it could be a significant obstacle to his NFL career.

Health and Durability Concerns

In addition to technical and mental concerns, there are also physical factors that could endanger Ewers’ NFL future. Injuries are an unfortunate reality in football, and quarterbacks are especially vulnerable due to the nature of the position. Ewers has already dealt with some injuries during his time in college, and any further setbacks could raise questions about his durability and long-term prospects.

Ewers suffered a significant shoulder injury during his first season at Texas, which caused him to miss several games. Shoulder injuries, in particular, can be problematic for quarterbacks, as they directly impact a quarterback’s ability to throw with velocity and accuracy. While Ewers has shown no signs of long-term issues, any further injuries could jeopardize his future as an NFL quarterback. Teams may be wary of investing in a player who has a history of injuries, especially if those injuries are related to the throwing arm.

Furthermore, even if Ewers avoids major injuries, there are concerns about his size and frame. At 6-foot-2 and around 200 pounds, Ewers does not possess the prototypical size and physicality of some NFL quarterbacks. While this isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, quarterbacks with smaller frames are more susceptible to taking hits, and their ability to absorb contact and stay healthy over the course of a 17-game season is a concern. NFL defenses are faster, stronger, and more aggressive than anything Ewers has faced in college, and his ability to handle the physical toll of the league is something that could raise questions among NFL teams.

The Mental Game: Development and Maturity

Quarterbacks in the NFL are expected to be not only physically gifted but also mentally sharp. They must be able to handle the pressure of leading a team and performing in high-stakes situations. While Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance, his mental makeup will ultimately determine whether he can succeed at the next level. The maturity and leadership skills required to succeed in the NFL are sometimes difficult to assess in college players, but it’s clear that Ewers still has some room to grow in this area.

In his time at Texas, Ewers has been inconsistent in his leadership and ability to handle adversity. When things are going well, he can be a dynamic playmaker, but when the going gets tough, his performance often dips. NFL quarterbacks need to have the mental fortitude to lead their teams through tough situations and to maintain their composure when things aren’t going according to plan. If Ewers cannot develop the mental toughness and leadership qualities necessary to thrive in the NFL, it could undermine his ability to succeed at the next level.