NFL executives bluntly dish on Quinn Ewers, show he's still competing with Arch Manning

Four years after being the No. 1 overall recruit, there is not much buzz surrounding Quinn Ewers in the 2025 NFL Draft. Ewers enjoyed time as the Texas starting quarterback under Steve Sarkisian, helping the Longhorns once again establish themselves in college football. And while Ewers was a big part of the rebuild, his name likely will not be called until late Friday or Saturday.

NFL scouts have been blunt regarding their thoughts on Ewers. Someone from the NFC said there is not much upside when watching the tape. Instead, the scout is more interested in the quarterback Texas currently has on campus, Arch Manning.

“There’s just no juice in his body,” an NFC assistant coach said via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “He’s little. Arm strength lacks. Athleticism lacks. I don’t really know the upside of that kid. When you put their film on and (Arch) Manning comes in the game, the ball is just jumping off his hand in comparison.”

When Ewers was healthy, Sarkisian rolled with him under center throughout the season. Texas went on to win 11 regular season games, appear in the SEC Championship, and make a deep run in the College Football Playoff. Even so, plenty of outsiders were calling for Manning to replace Ewers.

An AFC scout had similar thoughts on Ewers when it came to his traits. The report does not appear to be a positive one and once again, Manning’s name was mentioned. But this was in a way to praise Ewers in what he has gone through over the past two seasons.

“Kind of just an average traits guy, but the kid’s been through a lot,” an AFC scouting director said. “You can’t discredit his ability to overcome adversity. Arch Manning on his heels. We want to see guys that can handle pressure and fight through tough times, and he did that. S—, he had this guy breathing down his neck for two years. I like that part about him. But the rest is kind of average.” 

ESPN’s Mel Kiper ranked Ewers as his No. 10 quarterback in his final list. But on the flip side, a seven-round mock draft from NFL.com has Ewers going in the second round to the Seattle Seahawks with the No. 52 overall pick.

The two scouts Pelissero spoke to do not seem too high on what Ewers can become in the NFL. While the entire league might be waiting for Manning to leave Texas and declare for the draft.