Updated: September 10, 2025
Quinn Ewers, once a highly-touted quarterback prospect, found himself in an unexpected position after being the 13th and final quarterback selected in the 2025 NFL draft, landing at pick number 231 in the seventh round. Despite some teams reportedly rating him higher, Ewers faced an unanticipated slide down the draft board. The intriguing developments surrounding Ewers shed light on the complexities and challenges faced by high-profile college players transitioning to the professional realm, particularly in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Following the draft, Ewers' agent, Ron Slavin, reached out to numerous NFL teams in an attempt to understand the reasons behind Ewers' substantial fall in the draft order. Slavin's conversations revealed that while some teams viewed Ewers as a third- or fourth-round talent, concerns arose about his status as a prominent name in the college football landscape. Many teams hesitated to draft Ewers due to the perception that he was too well-known to assume a backup role, shaping a unique dilemma arising from the changing dynamics of player endorsements and public visibility.
Ewers' decision not to return to college football for another year, despite potentially forgoing significant earnings by foregoing the draft, further underscores the complexities of his situation. By accepting a slotted contract as one of the final picks in the draft, Ewers faces the challenge of adapting to a new environment where he must strive to make his mark amidst established quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa and Zach Wilson in Miami.
One of the paramount shifts in the landscape of player recruitment and evaluation stems from the increasing convergence of on-field talent and off-field brand appeal. While being a renowned player can open doors to lucrative endorsements and opportunities, as seen in Ewers' case, it can also serve as a double-edged sword. The reluctance of teams to draft a high-profile player as a developmental prospect highlights the delicate balance between skillset evaluation and marketability in today's NFL.
As Ewers embarks on his professional journey as the final quarterback selected in the 2025 draft, the path ahead presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. With the backing of his agent and the awareness of the unique circumstances that propelled him into the NFL landscape, Ewers must leverage his talents and resilience to carve out a niche for himself among established veterans and rising stars in the league.
