As the Miami Dolphins prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, all eyes are on their latest seventh-round pick, Quinn Ewers. To the casual observer, Ewers’ selection might raise eyebrows, especially given the backstory of a player who’s been anything but conventional in his journey.
Ewers, well-known for his high school exploits in Texas, made headlines by skipping his senior year to join Ohio State. In an era where college players capitalize on their name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals, this early jump was significant, setting the stage for a pro career while he still had eligibility remaining.
Draft analysts have been critical of Ewers, citing concerns about his arm strength as a primary reason he fell to the later rounds. Yet voices in the know, like ex-players Chris Simms and Colt McCoy, have chimed in with their own perspectives, questioning why Ewers sometimes hesitates to unleash his arm, despite an impressive track record. They point out that they’ve witnessed his potential firsthand, emphasizing that there’s more to his game than what’s reflected in the draft evaluations.
When discussing Ewers, it’s hard to ignore the viral moments that define high school football’s highlight reels. Back in August 2019, while he was gearing up for his junior year at Southlake Carroll High School, Ewers showcased an eye-popping 85-yard throw in a video that caught the attention of fans and scouts alike. While it’s important to note this was an unofficial measurement—likely aided by some strong winds and perhaps not executed through a textbook five-step drop—it nonetheless highlighted the raw potential that made him a highly coveted recruit. His trajectory took an unexpected turn when he left high school early to join Ohio State, which had long been the expectation, but the allure of NIL deals drew him to the Buckeyes instead.
Ewers’ collegiate experience included mostly serving as a backup during his year at Ohio State, watching future Houston Texans star C.J. Stroud from the sidelines. However, he did manage to impress during this time, including a viral moment at the Steve Clarkson Quarterback Camp, where he belted a 70-yard throw while in street clothes, further cementing his potential.
So, what about the skepticism surrounding his development? Let’s unpack this without jumping to conclusions—Ewers hasn’t necessarily regressed, even if his draft stock suggests otherwise. His tenure at Texas was marred by injuries that he powered through, showing resilience in the face of adversity. After tearing his oblique early in the 2024 season against Michigan, Ewers continued to compete, leading the Longhorns to a conference championship and throwing an impressive 27 touchdowns, the most in the SEC that year.
As Quinn Ewers steps into his new chapter with the Dolphins, the hope is that a healthier version of him can flourish in a city known for its vibrant football culture. The potential for him to harness all those memorable high school moments, combined with his grit and experience, could mean a bright future in Miami. With tempered expectations, all eyes will be on this talented quarterback to see how he develops and whether he can fully realize the promise he’s shown throughout his career.
