Texas QB Quinn Ewers was a projected first round NFL Draft pick entering his junior season in Austin, with some going as far as to hype his status as the first name off the board. Midway through the year, that still appeared to be the case with the Longhorns jumping out to a 6-0 start.
Unfortunately, the view has changed over his last few contests. His stock has fallen, with many pegging him as a second round selection in their latest mock drafts.
What’s changed? Texas has struggled a bit over its last four matchups, which includes a 30-15 loss to SEC rival Georgia. Ewers’ play, specifically, has been a focal point throughout that recent stretch.
While he has averaged 252 yards per game in his last four outings, much of that damage was done in a 49-0 blowout of an injury-ridden Florida squad. He thew a pick in the loss to the Bulldogs. He threw two interceptions in a close win over Vanderbilt. He’s yet to lead his team to a win over an opponent currently ranked in the Top 25, and scouts have been critical of his ability to throw the deep ball.
Quinn Ewers aDOT (Average Depth of Target) is 5.9 yards in 2024, ranking 79th of 79 in the Power 5. pic.twitter.com/UCiNg4oitz
— ᴄᴏᴅʏ ᴄᴀʀᴘᴇɴᴛɪᴇʀ (@CodyCarpentier) October 28, 2024
Quinn Ewers ranks near the bottom of the pack when it comes to average depth of target as the Longhorns look to get the ball out of his hands early to allow playmakers to do much of the work. He’s struggled to complete his seldom deep ball attempts, something that’s provided a hit to his resume.
247 Sports wrote that “last season, Ewers ranked 73rd (16-of-47 – 34%) in completion percentage of passes that traveled further than 20 yards – after ranking 89th (16-of-52 attempts – 30.8%) in 2022.”
Injury concerns have also reared their head, with the passer missing action in each of his last two campaigns. Ewers is considered an early second-round pick by both CBS Sports and Pro Football Focus in their most recent mocks. It’s led to questions about his future with Senior Day quickly approaching.
Will Quinn Ewers enter the draft?
It’s a topic head coach Steve Sarkisian refused to touch on in his weekly press conference leading into a home matchup with Kentucky.
Steve Sarkisian was asked if QB Quinn Ewers would be playing his final home game at DKR on Saturday:
“No idea.”
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) November 18, 2024
His response, or lack thereof, immediately sparked speculation of a potential return. That would certainly present an interesting situation in the Texas quarterback room.
Arch Manning has waited patiently behind Ewers for the better part of two seasons. He was expected to get the keys to the offense in Year 3. Should Ewers return, it would potentially present issue in an era of college football that’s been overtaken by the transfer portal.
Now, there are a few different ways to look at Steve Sarkisian’s reaction to the Quinn Ewers question. Should Texas lose a potential SEC Championship Game, they could, in theory, play another home game in the College Football Playoff.
That said, many have been doubtful of the Longhorns’ postseason resume to this point. They might not be able to survive another setback.
Ewers, too, was asked about the speculation on Monday, providing a similar outlook as his head coach. His focus is on Kentucky. He refused to give clarity on the rumors of a return.
#Texas QB Quinn Ewers talks about trying to enjoy the moment as the QB at Texas.
Ewers was also asked if this would be his last game at DKR. @ontexasfootball pic.twitter.com/UQjGbF2LtS
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_OTF) November 18, 2024
“Who knows?” he said when asked about this being his last home game with the ‘Horns. “I’m just trying to win this week.”
In all likelihood, Ewers is off to the NFL after this season. He’s done just about all he can at the college level as he looks for a second straight conference title and College Football Playoff appearance.
That said, no one is ready to definitively say that the draft is his next step. The focus remains on the task at hand. He’ll look ahead to his future when the time comes.
The post Steve Sarkisian Sparks Quinn Ewers Speculation As Draft Stock Continues To Tumble appeared first on BroBible.
Steve Sarkisian Sparks Quinn Ewers Speculation As Draft Stock Continues To Tumble
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