Agent Critiques NFL Draft Decisions Following Quinn Ewers’ Surprising Slide

Agent Critiques NFL Draft Decisions Following Quinn Ewers’ Surprising Slide

Quinn Ewers made a pivotal decision to enter the NFL draft rather than transfer from the Texas Longhorns, aiming to elevate his football career. However, in a striking twist, he dropped from being a projected mid-round pick to being chosen in the seventh round by the Miami Dolphins.

As the draft unfolded last week, Ewers found himself vying for a backup quarterback position, likely competing against Zach Wilson. This unexpected fall raised eyebrows, particularly among Ewers’ supporters and experts alike.

Agent Ron Slavin’s Perspective

In an exclusive interview with ESPN, Ron Slavin, Ewers’ agent, expressed his disappointment over the quarterback’s draft slide. Slavin shared the anxiety that gripped them as the draft ticked onwards, believing Ewers had a solid chance to be selected by teams like the Las Vegas Raiders or the Seattle Seahawks on Day 2.

Slavin described their experience as a ‘nightmare’ scenario when the Raiders opted for two players from the FCS division instead of prioritizing Ewers. This missed opportunity significantly impacted both Ewers’ career trajectory and Slavin’s confidence in the selection process.

Communication with NFL Teams

Before the seventh round commenced, Slavin had discussions with two teams: the Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys. When the Miami Dolphins finally selected Ewers, Slavin revealed that he had reached out to nearly half the NFL teams to understand why Ewers slipped so drastically from his anticipated fourth-round position.

According to Slavin, many teams viewed Ewers as a potential third or fourth-round pick but ultimately deemed him too high-profile to serve merely as a backup. Slavin’s frustration was evident when he characterized their rationale as ‘chickens—‘, remarking on the perceived injustice of Ewers’ treatment.

Ewers’ Reaction to His Draft Position

In the wake of the draft, Ewers vowed to use this setback as motivation. He expressed a mixture of disappointment and determination, acknowledging that the circumstances surrounding his selection fueled his ambition. ‘It’s definitely a lot of motivation that comes with it,’ Ewers shared. ‘Especially just being the last quarterback drafted.’

Despite the perceived loss of expectations from the outside, Ewers maintains high standards for himself. He articulated the unique mental state he experiences, noting that it marks the first time in his career when he isn’t surrounded by intense expectations from scouts and analysts.

A High School Phenomenon

Ewers’ journey to this point has been remarkable. Initially, he gained recognition as one of the top quarterbacks in high school and committed to Ohio State before transferring to Texas in 2022. His performance at Texas was impressive, with 3,472 passing yards and 31 touchdown passes during the 2024 season.

The Longhorns made a noteworthy run in the College Football Playoff that year, only to be ousted by Ohio State in the semifinals, further solidifying Ewers’ reputation as a competent quarterback despite the challenges he faced.

Implications for Ewers and the Dolphins

Now, as Ewers steps into the NFL with the Dolphins, he recognizes the uphill battle ahead. He will likely adjust to the competitive atmosphere, positioning himself to prove his critics wrong. The journey ahead will require him to showcase his skills consistently during practices and potential game situations, all while battling for the backup spot.

This situation also raises broader questions about NFL draft evaluations and how such decisions impact young athletes. The discrepancies in pre-draft projections versus actual selections can lead to diminished confidence and motivation among players, affecting their performance in the league.

Looking Forward

As Ewers embarks on his NFL career, the scrutiny will undoubtedly continue. However, armed with a renewed sense of purpose sparked by his draft slide, he is poised to double down on his efforts. Ewers aims to transform this setback into a stepping stone for success, illustrating resilience as a critical attribute for athletes navigating professional sports.

For now, Quinn Ewers remains a figure to watch closely as he aims to carve out his place within the league while overcoming the challenges set before him by the draft results.