NFL Draft Prospects for Texas’ Quinn Ewers: Examining the Top 5 Destinations for the Longhorns Quarterback
Quinn Ewers’ college career at the University of Texas has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, but there’s no denying his potential as a top-tier NFL draft prospect. After his arrival in Austin as one of the most highly-touted quarterbacks in the nation, Ewers has shown flashes of brilliance, including impressive arm strength, poise in the pocket, and a deep ball accuracy that has intrigued NFL scouts. However, inconsistency and developmental challenges have kept him from completely fulfilling his massive potential. As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, it’s clear that Ewers possesses all the physical traits that NFL teams covet in a quarterback: a rocket arm, athleticism, and the size to hold up in the professional ranks. Now, it’s a matter of refining those skills and showing consistency to prove that he is worthy of a high draft pick.
This article will explore the top five potential NFL destinations for Quinn Ewers, analyzing the fit between his skill set and each team’s needs, and how he could develop in those systems.
1. Indianapolis Colts
Why It’s a Great Fit:
The Indianapolis Colts are in a transition phase at quarterback. After years of trying to find a long-term solution post-Andrew Luck, they have experienced a revolving door of quarterbacks. While Gardner Minshew provides some stability, he’s unlikely to be the long-term answer. The Colts need to find their next franchise signal-caller, and Quinn Ewers could be the answer.
Fit with Ewers’ Strengths: The Colts have one of the league’s most well-rounded rosters, especially on the offensive line, where they feature a talented group that can protect a young quarterback like Ewers. Behind them, Indianapolis also has a solid run game, with Jonathan Taylor as a focal point in the backfield, which would take some pressure off Ewers early in his career. The Colts have a solid defense, meaning they won’t always be in shootouts and can provide their quarterback with a chance to develop slowly.
Ewers’ strong arm and ability to make throws to all levels of the field would be a perfect fit in the Colts’ offense, which under head coach Shane Steichen, should continue to evolve into a pass-friendly system. Ewers has the tools to make deep throws, something Steichen would likely incorporate in a system that helps open up the field for his big-play capability. His athleticism would also play well in a system that utilizes quarterbacks on the move, creating opportunities in the pocket with bootlegs or designed rollouts.
Development and Potential: While the Colts have a better offensive line than most teams, Ewers still has significant development ahead of him, especially when it comes to his decision-making and consistency. Working under a coach like Steichen, who has proven to develop quarterbacks (having worked with Justin Herbert in Los Angeles and Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia), would be invaluable for his growth.
2. Tennessee Titans
Why It’s a Great Fit:
The Tennessee Titans find themselves in a similar situation to the Colts in that they are looking for their next long-term quarterback. Ryan Tannehill has had a solid run as the team’s starter but is now on the tail end of his career. The Titans have a strong defense and a dominant running game led by Derrick Henry, but their quarterback play has often held them back from reaching the next level.
Fit with Ewers’ Strengths: Ewers’ strong arm and ability to attack downfield would be a great match for the Titans’ offense, which tends to lean heavily on play-action to create explosive passing opportunities. While Tannehill isn’t known for his deep ball accuracy, Ewers has the potential to inject a higher level of playmaking into the Titans’ offense. Given that Henry commands so much attention from opposing defenses, Ewers would have the opportunity to benefit from favorable matchups in the passing game and take shots deep downfield.
Additionally, the Titans have a solid offensive line, which would allow Ewers to settle into the pocket and utilize his arm strength to push the ball down the field. A vertical passing game built off play-action could maximize his skill set early in his NFL career.
Development and Potential: Much like with the Colts, Ewers would need time to develop and grow into the starting role. The Titans’ offense may not be as pass-heavy as other teams, but it’s a great environment for a young quarterback to grow into his potential without the pressure to win games on his own immediately. Given that the Titans are more focused on controlling the game through their ground game, Ewers wouldn’t be asked to do everything, but he could develop a strong rapport with the team’s weapons.
3. Washington Commanders
Why It’s a Great Fit:
The Washington Commanders are in need of a quarterback, having cycled through several options without finding long-term stability. While Sam Howell is a promising young player, it’s unclear if he’s the long-term answer. With a solid defense and a capable group of offensive weapons, Washington is a team that can afford to invest in a young quarterback to develop.
Fit with Ewers’ Strengths: The Commanders have a strong receiving corps with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Curtis Samuel, which would give Ewers the kind of playmakers he needs to thrive in the passing game. Washington has also begun to improve its offensive line, which would provide Ewers the protection he needs to develop and focus on reading defenses rather than worrying about pressure.
Ewers’ deep ball ability would be a great complement to the speed and playmaking ability of Washington’s receiving core. McLaurin, in particular, excels at stretching the field, and Ewers would have a prime opportunity to make a mark in Washington’s offense with his ability to throw to all levels of the field.
Development and Potential: The Commanders are a team that might be able to let a rookie like Ewers develop in relative peace without the high expectations that come with playing for a more established program. The team is on the verge of competing in a weak NFC East, and if Ewers can develop into a reliable starter over time, Washington could become a contender with their strong defensive unit and skilled offensive weapons.
4. Minnesota Vikings
Why It’s a Great Fit:
The Minnesota Vikings are a team that could benefit from having a young quarterback like Ewers. While Kirk Cousins has been solid for the Vikings, his contract situation and age make him a prime candidate to be replaced in the near future. The Vikings have a talented roster, particularly on offense, with elite weapons in Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and a solid run game behind Dalvin Cook. The time might be right for Minnesota to find their quarterback of the future.
Fit with Ewers’ Strengths: Ewers’ arm strength and potential as a deep-ball thrower would be a perfect match for the Vikings’ offense, which has increasingly become pass-heavy under head coach Kevin O’Connell. Jefferson is one of the best receivers in the league, and Ewers would have the opportunity to work with an elite weapon to help him immediately. His deep ball accuracy would be a huge asset in an offense that already boasts a strong vertical element.
With Cook and the run game in place, Minnesota could afford to allow Ewers to ease into the role and develop at his own pace. The team’s offensive line is solid, which would help give Ewers the time to progress in his decision-making and refine his mechanics.
Development and Potential: Minnesota has the luxury of transitioning from Cousins to Ewers at a time when the roster is in a competitive window. With a top-tier wide receiver in Jefferson, the pressure on Ewers would be alleviated to some degree, and he would have the tools around him to make an immediate impact. The Vikings’ offense is balanced enough that Ewers wouldn’t need to do everything immediately, but he would have the opportunity to develop into a top-tier quarterback over time.
5. Las Vegas Raiders
Why It’s a Great Fit:
The Las Vegas Raiders are another team that finds themselves in a quarterback transition. After parting ways with Derek Carr, they’ve been in search of their next franchise quarterback. While Jimmy Garoppolo is a solid veteran option, he isn’t the long-term answer. The Raiders need a young signal-caller to build their future around, and Quinn Ewers could be the answer.
Fit with Ewers’ Strengths: Las Vegas has a talented offense led by wide receiver Davante Adams, one of the best playmakers in the NFL. With a strong pass-catching group that includes Hunter Renfrow and the addition of tight end Michael Mayer, Ewers would have the weapons at his disposal to be successful early on in his career. His strong arm would fit well in a system that can take advantage of vertical passing concepts to maximize Adams’ big-play ability.
The Raiders also have an adequate offensive line that could protect Ewers and allow him to develop without overwhelming him early in his career.
Development and Potential: Las Vegas is a team that could afford to let Ewers develop behind Garoppolo for a year or two. With a proven coaching staff and a solid offensive roster, Ewers would have a strong supporting cast as he grows into the starting role. With Adams and other offensive weapons, Ewers would be set up for success as he develops in a relatively stable situation.
Conclusion
Quinn Ewers’ potential as an NFL quarterback is undeniable, and while he has areas that need refinement, his physical tools — particularly his arm strength, mobility, and deep-ball accuracy — make him a tantalizing prospect. The five teams mentioned — Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, and Las Vegas Raiders — all present excellent opportunities for Ewers to develop into a starting quarterback in the NFL.
Each team offers different dynamics in terms of offensive scheme, talent around him, and developmental potential. Ultimately, Ewers’ landing spot will play a significant role in how quickly he adapts to the NFL game, but with the right support and time to develop, he could become one of the league’s top quarterbacks in the years to come.