Deep in the Heart of Texas – Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

First Round Mock’s William Yanish has evaluated the game film of Texas quarterback (QB) Quinn Ewers from last season and has identified what he feels are some serious red flags.

We are getting sold a story way down in Texas.

Everyone wants to talk about how the Longhorns are coming back to relevance. Then they want to talk about their two “Great” QB prospects, Ewers and Arch Manning.

I want to talk about them too. Specifically, Ewers. At 6-foot-2 and a cheeseburger away from 200 pounds, he’s not exactly what you would call a prototypical-sized QB.

Background

Originally Ewers committed to Ohio State, but that affair ended with two snaps at the end of a game before transferring to Texas. With an injury-shortened 2022 season, he appears to be ready for a breakout campaign this year.

Look, guys, I’ve already watched the film and taken notes. I’m not going to waste your time with cute stories or illegible statistics. I really hope that Ewers isn’t afraid of a little competition, because Mr. Manning will be hot on his heels throughout 2023.

The Yanish Report

Thin, beanpole of a QB prospect. Helter-skelter brand of footwork and body mechanics. Not over-the-top selling play-action. Hurried progressions. Long, slow-motion-like release. Off-platform throws come naturally to his willy-nilly method of operations. Touch passer with healthy arm strength. Goes to work underneath. Accuracy downfield needs work. Misses high consistency on intermediate+ throws. Erratic. Mobil enough to navigate the pocket. Can evade rushers. Improv is a problem. Superb field vision. Skilled technician that needs refinement. Analytic. Confident.

The three biggest red flags:

1. Mechanics 🚩

2. Mechanics 🚩

3. Mechanics 🚩

For the win

This evaluation is constructive criticism only. I wish every prospect the best in their endeavors. Ewers is very young and has nothing but time to improve. I have talked about learning and adapting to situations before.

This kid has been thrown to the wolves and now he needs to learn how to survive. It’s kind of like being drafted by the New York Jets as a QB.

I want to see how Ewers responds without the departed running backs who left for the NFL. Will he still be as erratic, chucking the ball all over the field? There has to be something that can keep him in line. Of course, having the name Manning right over his shoulder can also have an effect.

The media will be all over this.

When it comes down to it, it’s just a couple of kids wanting to live their dream and play the game that they love. In a couple of years, we’ll be right back here with my Manning evaluation.

All and all, I simply cannot hand Ewers a first-round grade. He has to strap on the cleats, throw on the pads, and get to work.

My BIG three questions

1. Will having Manning around push Ewers to be a better QB?

2. Can Ewers fuel Texas to a Big 12 championship in 2023?

3. What kind of growth will we see in Ewers over the offseason?

How Ewers stacks up and game film reviewed

My 2024 NFL Draft Value: Third-Round

2022 Game Film Evidence

Alabama

Iowa State

Oklahoma State

Kansas State

Oklahoma

William Yanish III is a lifelong football fan. He’s from the little town of Crawford, Colorado. Along the way, he’s lived in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, and Brookings, Oregon. Quarterback Joe Montana was his idol growing up. A little bit of CTE from life’s adventures killed his dreams as a football player. Now, he is an aspiring writer and Draft Analyst at FirstRoundMock.com. He’s a fanatic with a dream, which is coming true.