The Dallas Cowboys' recent trade for backup quarterback Joe Milton has spotlighted Quinn Ewers, who was highly regarded by the team's scouting department prior to the NFL Draft.

Ewers, who was once a five-star recruit, became the starting quarterback at Southlake Carroll and later the top recruit in the 2021 class after a brief stint at Ohio State. Returning to Texas, he led the Longhorns to significant success, including a Big 12 Championship and two College Football Playoff appearances. Yet, he surprisingly fell to the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Much debate surrounds Ewers' draft position, particularly with the emergence of Arch Manning, the highly touted nephew of football legends Peyton and Eli Manning, who drew significant fan attention during games. This dynamic may have overshadowed Ewers, complicating perceptions of his readiness for the NFL. Questions linger about how a player with such a strong college resume could miss out on earlier draft rounds.

Arch Manning's ascendance to starting quarterback for the Texas Longhorns is set against a backdrop of monumental expectations, owing largely to his storied family legacy involving NFL legends Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning. As the former No. 1 overall recruit, Manning enters his first season with incredible popularity and pressure, having amassed over 500,000 social media followers and an NIL valuation of $6.8 million. Despite just two career starts under his belt, the stakes are high for him to deliver as he takes the reins of a historically significant program.

His transition from backup to starter follows his time learning from Quinn Ewers, now with the Miami Dolphins. This pivotal moment in his career is not only about personal achievement but also about living up to the illustrious Manning name. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Manning can navigate the challenges that come with being the focal point of the Longhorns' offense.

Quinn Ewers, the former Texas Longhorns quarterback, once ranked among the top prospects in his draft class, has seen his stock plummet due to a series of injuries and inconsistent performances in his final college season. This decline raises questions about his adaptability and resilience as he transitions to the professional level with the Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins are in a competitive division and face significant pressure to perform, especially with a young quarterback like Ewers who has yet to prove himself consistently. His development in training camp and early season games will be crucial for both his career and the Dolphins' playoff aspirations.

The Miami Dolphins addressed their quarterback situation in the 2025 NFL Draft, opting to select Quinn Ewers from Texas in the seventh round, despite earlier speculation suggesting a more aggressive pursuit for a starter. Tua Tagovailoa's injury history remains a concern, leaving Ewers as a potential backup option. The team is reportedly preparing to bolster their quarterback depth ahead of OTAs with the signing of former University of Miami quarterback.

Quinn Ewers, once the talk of college football, now faces scrutiny after being drafted 231st overall by the Miami Dolphins in the 2025 NFL Draft. Critics noted his decision to decline an $8 million NIL deal to transfer, focusing instead on his NFL journey. Despite a modest rookie contract of $4.3 million with only $84,000 in base salary for his first year, Ewers has secured a lucrative $3 million trading card deal with Panini America, providing a financial cushion.

Ewers, who threw for over 9,000 yards and 68 touchdowns during his college career, turned down hefty transfer offers to prioritize his legacy. His choices may redefine the path for future athletes balancing NIL opportunities and professional dreams, emphasizing that the value of a player's name can persist beyond college.