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Quinn Ewers took center stage against one of the toughest defenses in college football, leading the Texas Longhorns to a statement victory over a top-five Michigan team in Ann Arbor.
The hostile environment and the challenge of playing a perennial national title contender didn’t faze the former five-star recruit, who showcased not only his talent but his ability to perform under pressure. With NFL scouts already keeping an eye on Ewers, this performance against Michigan has elevated him from a late first-round or second-round projection to a potential mid-first-round or even top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Quinn Ewers: Dominating Michigan and Elevating His 2025 NFL Draft Stock
Ewers' Mastery on Third Downs: Clutch Under Pressure
What sets elite quarterbacks apart is their ability to deliver on critical downs, particularly third downs in obvious passing situations. Ewers' third-down performance against Michigan was nothing short of masterful. Facing a defense that thrives on shutting down opponents in key moments, Ewers showed poise and precision, particularly when faced with third and long situations.
Third Down Performance Breakdown:
Total 3rd Down Attempts: 9
Total 3rd Down Completions: 4
3rd Down Conversion Rate (5+ yards to go): 66.7% (4 of 6)
His success on third and long situations (5+ yards to go) is where Ewers truly stood out. These are the types of plays that NFL scouts scrutinize, as they often simulate the most pressure-packed moments a quarterback will face at the next level. Ewers demonstrated remarkable resilience, completing passes and converting difficult third downs to keep drives alive.
Key Third Down Highlights:
3rd and 13 on TX21 (Q1, 14:08): Ewers converted a tough third down early, connecting with Isaiah Bond for 33 yards, giving Texas critical momentum on their first drive.
3rd and 10 on UOM37 (Q2, 06:42): With the pressure on, Ewers delivered a perfectly placed 20-yard strike to Marcus Golden, converting a third-and-long that ultimately led to a touchdown.
3rd and 5 on UOM5 (Q2, 00:15): Ewers' quick decision-making and precise throw resulted in a 5-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Golden, demonstrating his ability to execute in the red zone.
3rd and 7 on UOM7 (Q3, 03:35): Another impressive red-zone play, as Ewers found Jonathon Blue for 7 yards, capping off a critical drive with another touchdown.
These moments reveal a quarterback who thrives under pressure, converting challenging third downs while maintaining composure. Ewers showed NFL-level traits in his pocket awareness and decision-making, especially when faced with Michigan’s formidable pass rush.
Explosive Plays: A Deep Ball Threat
Beyond his third-down mastery, Ewers displayed a penchant for explosive plays, something that NFL teams covet in a franchise quarterback. Ewers connected on several deep throws, showcasing his arm strength, touch, and ability to push the ball downfield.
Explosive Plays Breakdown (20+ yards):
Total Explosive Plays (20+ yards): 7
Total Yards on Explosive Plays: 159 yards
These explosive plays were game-changers, flipping field position and putting Texas in prime scoring opportunities. One of the standout plays came on a 33-yard bomb to Isaiah Bond on 3rd and 13, a crucial conversion that set the tone for the game. Ewers followed that with more big plays, including a 22-yard dart to Gunnar Helm and a 21-yard deep touchdown pass to Helm, demonstrating his ability to stretch the field and challenge Michigan’s defense vertically.
The ability to execute these types of throws under duress is a key differentiator at the NFL level. Ewers' 7 explosive plays against one of the top secondaries in the country showed his capacity to make big plays in critical moments, a skill that will only boost his draft stock further.
A Quarterback on the Rise
Before this game, Ewers was projected as a fringe first-round pick, with some questioning his consistency and ability to perform against top competition. After this dominant performance against Michigan, those doubts have been silenced. Ewers displayed everything NFL teams are looking for in a top-tier quarterback: accuracy, arm strength, poise under pressure, and the ability to make big plays in critical moments.
His third-down conversion rate, particularly on long-yardage situations, was stellar, and his ability to connect on deep passes and explosive plays only adds to his draft allure. This performance against a top-five Michigan defense has moved Ewers firmly into the conversation for a mid-first-round selection, and if he continues to perform at this level, a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is well within reach.
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