Quinn Ewers Projected to Replace $75 Million Quarterback in Latest NFL Mock Draft

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class is Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers. A player who has both dazzled and disappointed at times during his three-year tenure at Texas, Ewers is now preparing for the next step in his football journey. The big question on the minds of NFL scouts and analysts is: Where will Ewers land in the draft?

In the latest mock draft released by The Athletic‘s Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman on January 28, 2025, Ewers is projected to be selected in the second round by the Seattle Seahawks with the 50th overall pick. This placement has sparked conversations about his potential fit in Seattle and the future of the Seahawks’ quarterback position, which is currently led by 34-year-old Geno Smith. With Smith under contract through 2026 on a three-year deal worth up to $75 million, the Seahawks are poised to take a long-term approach to the quarterback position—an approach that could involve grooming Ewers for a starting role in the future.

Quinn Ewers’ Career at Texas: The Highs and Lows

Quinn Ewers’ college career has been a rollercoaster of high expectations and moments of inconsistency. A native of Southlake, Texas, Ewers was once regarded as the top quarterback recruit in the nation before committing to the University of Texas. He arrived in Austin with immense potential and high hopes for the Longhorns’ football program.

Ewers’ impact was felt almost immediately when he took over the starting quarterback position as a freshman. During his three years as the Texas starter, Ewers led the Longhorns to back-to-back appearances in the College Football Playoff semifinals, marking the program’s most successful stretch in recent memory. By the time he declared for the NFL Draft in January 2025, Ewers had become Texas’ third all-time leading passer, behind only the legendary Colt McCoy and Sam Ehlinger.

However, his career has not been without its challenges. Despite his impressive stats and the success of his teams, Ewers has faced significant criticism for his inconsistency in key moments. Many pointed to his performance in last month’s SEC Championship Game against Georgia as a prime example of his ups and downs. In the overtime loss, Ewers completed 27 of 46 passes for 358 yards, but he threw just one touchdown compared to two interceptions. The performance was met with frustration from fans and analysts, with some even calling for backup quarterback Arch Manning to take over as the starter for the 2025 season.

Despite these criticisms, Ewers’ raw talent is undeniable. His ability to make throws that few quarterbacks can replicate is a big reason why NFL scouts remain high on his potential. His arm strength, athleticism, and the upside he demonstrated in his college career are major factors that have kept him in the second-round conversation.

The NFL Draft Projections

In terms of his NFL Draft prospects, Ewers is widely regarded as a mid-to-late second-round pick, which aligns with the latest projection by The Athletic‘s Baumgardner and Dochterman. While some scouts have lauded his “arm arrogance” and athleticism, there are concerns regarding his consistency and accuracy. For a player of his talent, Ewers’ inconsistency in decision-making and his ability to maintain a high level of play under pressure have raised doubts about his immediate readiness for the NFL.

Ewers’ selection in the second round is not unexpected given the level of competition in this year’s quarterback class. The 2025 draft features a number of elite prospects at the position, with names like Caleb Williams and Drake Maye at the top of the board. While Ewers may not be in the same tier as those two, he is still a player who has shown enough flashes of brilliance to warrant significant interest from teams looking for a developmental quarterback.

Ewers and the Seattle Seahawks: A Potential Match?

The Seattle Seahawks, as currently constructed, offer an intriguing situation for Ewers. Geno Smith, who helped lead the Seahawks to a playoff berth in 2024, is entering the later years of his career. At 34 years old, Smith’s tenure as the franchise quarterback is nearing its end. Despite his strong performance over the past few seasons, including a three-year, $75 million deal signed in 2023, the Seahawks are likely already looking to the future.

Ewers would not be expected to start right away for the Seahawks. Should he be selected at No. 50 overall, Ewers would likely begin his NFL career as a backup, with the chance to learn behind Smith and backup quarterback Sam Howell, both of whom are set to become unrestricted free agents in 2026. This timeline would give Ewers the opportunity to develop under the guidance of Seattle’s coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who has shown a knack for working with quarterbacks and developing young talent.

Seattle’s offense, led by head coach Pete Carroll, is a well-established system that values a strong run game and a quarterback capable of making deep throws with accuracy. Ewers’ skill set fits that mold in many ways. While his deep ball accuracy has been criticized in college, his strong arm and athleticism could allow him to thrive in the Seahawks’ offense once he becomes more polished. With the development of players like Ewers, the Seahawks could potentially have a quarterback of the future who could take over the reins within a couple of years.

The Path to Becoming a Starter

While Ewers would start as a backup in Seattle, there is a clear path to him becoming a future starter. With Smith’s and Howell’s contracts expiring in 2026, Ewers would likely compete for the starting role in his second season in the NFL. By that time, he would have had the opportunity to learn from both Smith and the Seahawks’ coaching staff, which could help him transition into a starting role when the time comes.

Seattle’s offensive system could be a good fit for Ewers, allowing him to develop into a more consistent and refined quarterback. The Seahawks have historically provided opportunities for quarterbacks to grow and develop, and Ewers’ talent and athleticism could allow him to rise to the occasion once the starting job opens up.

The Long-Term Outlook for Quinn Ewers

As the NFL Draft approaches, Quinn Ewers’ stock is likely to remain a topic of discussion. His combination of raw talent and notable college achievements make him an intriguing prospect, but the concerns about his consistency and accuracy will continue to influence his draft position.

If Ewers lands with the Seattle Seahawks, he will enter a situation where he has time to develop and improve. With Smith’s career winding down, Ewers could eventually become the face of the franchise’s next chapter. Whether or not he can realize his full potential in the NFL will depend largely on his ability to refine his skills, especially his accuracy and decision-making under pressure.

For Texas Longhorns fans, Ewers’ potential departure marks the end of an era. He leaves a legacy as one of the most talented quarterbacks to play in Austin, but also one who faced significant scrutiny during his time as a starter. His journey to the NFL will be closely watched, and his success or failure in the professional ranks will be a testament to both his ability and his development under the right circumstances.

The 2025 NFL Draft will be a defining moment in Quinn Ewers’ career, and whether he is ready to take the next step into professional football remains to be seen. As the draft unfolds, all eyes will be on Ewers as he begins the next chapter of his football journey—one that will have a lasting impact on his future and the teams that invest in him.