Quinn Ewers Begins to Inspire Hope with the Dolphins After Tremendous Throw; His Opportunity Could Come Before Shedeur Sanders’
The Miami Dolphins may have found more than just a developmental quarterback when they added rookie Quinn Ewers to their roster. The former Texas Longhorn, known for his elite arm strength and football IQ, is turning heads in South Florida following a string of eye-catching throws during early training camp. And while much of the media spotlight has focused on high-profile rookies like Shedeur Sanders, it’s Ewers who’s quietly building momentum—and possibly setting himself up for a surprising ascension up the depth chart.
On the surface, it might seem premature to draw comparisons or speculate about playing time for a rookie quarterback, especially one taken outside the first round. But Ewers is not your average prospect. With a pedigree that includes being the top recruit in the nation out of high school, a turbulent yet ultimately productive college career, and flashes of brilliance under pressure, Ewers arrives in Miami with more than just raw potential—he arrives with the hunger to prove himself all over again.
That hunger was on full display during a recent Dolphins training session, where Ewers uncorked what some are calling the best throw of camp so far: a 45-yard, cross-body strike that threaded the needle between two defenders and landed perfectly in the hands of a sprinting wideout. The sideline reaction was instant. Coaches exchanged wide-eyed glances. Players hollered in disbelief. And suddenly, the buzz surrounding Ewers went from mild curiosity to genuine excitement.
Dolphins quarterbacks coach Darrell Bevell didn’t downplay it when asked about Ewers’ progression:
“Quinn’s got special arm talent. Everyone knows that. But what we’re seeing now is growth in the other areas—decision-making, timing, poise. That throw today? That wasn’t luck. That was preparation meeting confidence.”
Indeed, while Ewers was always known for his cannon of an arm—even drawing comparisons to Patrick Mahomes during his high school days—his college journey forced him to mature in ways that are paying dividends now. After an abbreviated stint at Ohio State where he redshirted behind C.J. Stroud, Ewers transferred to Texas with massive expectations. Despite injuries and early inconsistency, he led the Longhorns to a College Football Playoff berth and showed steady improvement in accuracy, leadership, and pocket awareness.
Now with the Dolphins, Ewers is starting to look like a steal. Drafted in the later rounds as a potential long-term project behind Tua Tagovailoa, the 6’2”, 205-pound signal-caller has already made his case to be taken more seriously. With veteran backup Mike White in a tenuous position and uncertainty always lingering around Tua’s health, the door to real snaps may open sooner than expected.
And that’s where the intrigue begins to deepen—especially when comparing Ewers’ situation to that of Shedeur Sanders, the highly-touted rookie quarterback and son of NFL legend Deion Sanders. Shedeur, who electrified college football with his poise and precision at Colorado, was selected higher in the draft and enters the NFL with as much media attention as any player not named Caleb Williams. But while Shedeur’s path to a starting job may be blocked by entrenched veterans or longer development plans, Ewers could be just one or two twists of fate away from meaningful action in Miami.
The contrast between the two players’ early experiences in the league is striking. While Shedeur is easing into a crowded quarterback room and navigating the pressures of following in his father’s footsteps, Ewers is quietly thriving in an environment that has suddenly become fertile ground for opportunity. The Dolphins’ offense, built around speed and explosiveness, actually plays to Ewers’ strengths. He’s been praised for his deep-ball accuracy and quick release—two traits that align well with the likes of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who can turn a well-placed pass into a game-breaking play in an instant.
Veteran wideout Cedrick Wilson Jr. weighed in after practice, noting, “You can tell Quinn’s got that ‘it’ factor. That ball comes out different. He’s getting better every day, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he keeps climbing.”
That steady improvement is why Dolphins fans and insiders alike are starting to believe that Ewers could eventually leapfrog Mike White on the depth chart and become Tua’s primary backup. In today’s NFL, where injuries are common and depth is crucial, the No. 2 quarterback is just a heartbeat away from becoming the starter. And with Ewers’ continued development, Miami might have more than just a fallback—they could have a future franchise quarterback in the making.
Of course, any talk of Ewers overtaking Shedeur Sanders in terms of impact must be approached with nuance. Sanders, with his elite college production, natural leadership, and mental toughness, is still projected by many to be a future star in his own right. His ceiling remains high, and his transition to the pros is expected to be a smooth one over time.
But in the short term—this season—it’s Ewers who may have the more realistic path to early snaps. With Tagovailoa’s injury history and the Dolphins’ win-now roster, the team needs a backup who can step in without missing a beat. If Ewers can continue stacking practices like the one that featured his now-famous 45-yard throw, it won’t be long before he’s seen as a legitimate option under center.
Even Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, known for his candor and quarterback-friendly offense, has taken notice. “Quinn’s done everything we’ve asked of him,” McDaniel said. “He’s a student of the game, and he’s earning respect. That’s all you can ask for at this stage. We’re excited to see where it goes.”
As preseason games approach, Ewers will have more chances to show what he can do in live action. These moments—under the lights, against real defensive pressure—will be critical in determining his place on the depth chart. And while no one is rushing to declare a quarterback controversy in Miami, it’s clear that Ewers is no longer just a developmental footnote. He’s a rising player in a pivotal position.
The Dolphins, long in search of stability at quarterback, may have quietly set the stage for a new era. Tua remains the present, but Ewers might represent the future—and perhaps a future that comes sooner than expected.
And while the media circus continues to orbit around Sanders and other rookie quarterbacks, Ewers’ low-key rise might be just what he needs. Free from the weight of expectations, he’s focusing on football. He’s letting his arm do the talking. And so far, it’s speaking volumes.
In the grand narrative of NFL quarterback development, it’s often the overlooked prospects—the ones with doubters and something to prove—who blossom in the right setting. Ewers fits that mold. He’s battle-tested from college, humble in demeanor, and fiercely driven. Every rep, every throw, every opportunity is a chance to reshape his story.
Miami may not have drafted him to play right away, but as the NFL has shown time and time again, plans change quickly. One injury, one slump, one big moment—that’s all it takes for a backup to become the starter. And if that moment comes, Quinn Ewers is beginning to look ready.
In the end, both Ewers and Shedeur Sanders could enjoy long, successful careers. But in the race to meaningful NFL snaps, don’t be surprised if Ewers takes the first leap. Not because he was the higher draft pick. Not because he had the louder hype. But because in a quiet Miami training camp, he made the throws, earned the trust, and started inspiring something this franchise hasn’t always had at quarterback: hope.
