With the Dallas Cowboys in need of a developmental quarterback, Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers could be a potential mid-round target in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Cowboys are expected to address the quarterback position in the upcoming draft after Cooper Rush signed with the Baltimore Ravens and the team decided to move on from Trey Lance. While it’s highly unlikely they’ll use a first- or second-round pick on a signal-caller, there’s a strong chance they could target one in the third round. One intriguing possibility is Ewers, whom the Cowboys are bringing in for a visit.
A smart, accurate passer with upside
Ewers, who carries a mid-round grade on my board, possesses several traits that could make him an appealing option for Dallas. One of his biggest strengths is his high football IQ. The Longhorns run one of the more complex offenses in college football, and Ewers demonstrated a strong command of it, consistently making checks at the line of scrimmage and going through multiple reads when passing. This level of intelligence was a key reason Cooper Rush remained with the Cowboys despite having only average physical traits, so they will likely be looking for this trait in their next quarterback.
In addition to his football IQ, Ewers is a polished pocket passer. When given a clean pocket, he has been a consistently accurate thrower, completing over 65% of his passes over the past two seasons. He also does an excellent job of hitting his receivers in stride. Another standout trait is his toughness—he has repeatedly played through injuries and has shown the ability to shake off big hits.
QUINN EWERS DIME 🎯 pic.twitter.com/AU4fhsudp3
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) October 26, 2024
However, there are reasons why he may still be available in the third round. His biggest flaw is his inconsistency as a passer, particularly with his footwork. He has a tendency to throw off his back foot too often, which prevents him from getting into a proper throwing position. Additionally, his arm strength is not elite, and his deep passes can hang in the air too long, allowing defenders to make plays on the ball.
While these concerns are valid, Ewers has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber quarterback with time and focused improvement in these areas. If the Cowboys select him, he could be a long-term project worth investing in for the future.