Quinn Ewers' dramatic draft slide raises eyebrows after NFL teams pass

In early May 2025, the NFL Draft took place, where Quinn Ewers, a former standout quarterback from the Texas Longhorns, experienced a significant fall in his projected draft position. Initially anticipated to be a mid-round selection, Ewers unexpectedly slid to the seventh round, eventually being picked 231st overall by the Miami Dolphins. This fall in status was particularly surprising given Ewers' impressive college performance, having completed over 3,400 passing yards and secured numerous touchdowns in his final season. His draft experience has drawn noteworthy attention in the sporting community, especially compared to other ongoing narratives like Shedeur Sanders' draft experiences. Ewers' agent, Ron Slavin, expressed his frustration and confusion regarding why the quarterback was not picked earlier, stating he reached out to multiple teams to gain insight into the situation. Slavin indicated that many teams viewed Ewers as a potentially high pick but doubted his role as a backup quarterback due to his notable public image and collegiate success. As a result, this led to a situation where teams passed on him for lesser-known players, which Slavin referred to as “chickensh-t.” After being drafted, Ewers commented on needing to use this experience as motivation, acknowledging the unexpected shift in expectations he faces in his career. Despite this setback, he still maintains high personal expectations and views the slight as something that will fuel his performance in the NFL. Ewers is now set to compete with Zach Wilson for the backup quarterback position with the Dolphins, indicating that while his draft position may have not matched expectations, he is determined to prove his value at the professional level. The ramifications of Ewers' draft slide extend beyond his individual career, prompting discussions on how players' reputations and previous performances may affect their perceived value in the NFL. The draft selection process often leads to surprising outcomes, reflecting on how teams weigh potential against prior accolades. Ewers' experience serves as a reminder of the complexities athletes face navigating their careers, especially when high expectations do not coincide with reality.