Quinn Ewers potential sends Las Vegas Raiders into worry before 2025 NFL Draft

All eyes are on Quinn Ewers, the Texas quarterback who has become one of the most intriguing prospects of the 2025 NFL Draft, with the likes of the Las Vegas Raiders watching on; but why are they worried about him?

Though his season was full of ups and downs, the 21-year-old helped earned a 13-3 record and another College Football Playoff appearance; and his decision to forgo an $8 million transfer offer and declare for the draft speaks volumes about his self-belief and readiness for the next level.

But the 21-year-old's journey to the professional game is as uncertain as it is promising, with raw talent that excites scouts but an injury history and inconsistent performances that leave many questioning his long-term potential.

Ewers' college career has been a rollercoaster. Despite showcasing moments of brilliance, he has been plagued by injuries and uneven play. A notable oblique injury early in the season kept him sidelined for multiple games, and an ankle issue in a matchup against Kentucky added further doubts.

Despite these setbacks, his potential is undeniable. Ewers' arm strength, mobility, and football IQ set him apart from other prospects. But his injury record means his draft journey has become a gamble as front offices have to carefully weigh up talent versus someone reliable and fit to lead their offenses.

According to Las Vegas Raiders Insider's host, Hondo Carpenter, Ewers is expected to be taken in the fifth round, though many anticipate he will go higher proving the uncertainty and the mixed opinions about his value.

"They've got Ewers as a fifth-round guy... but all of them expect him to go before that," Carpenter explained. "He's a shortstop-type player. Under pressure, he can throw sidearm or even underhand, making him versatile.

"He's probably the best RPO [run- option] play-action fake quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft."

Will the NFL Combine boost Ewers' draft stock?

But some analysts even see him as a potential steal in the later rounds, while others are hesitant to bet on his injury history and inconsistent play despite his considerable talent.

Ewers' stock has fluctuated over the course of the 2025 draft cycle. Initially, he was considered one of the top quarterbacks, but injury concerns and inconsistent performances have caused his stock to slip.

As of February, Ewers ranked seventh in ESPN's Mel Kiper quarterback rankings, trailing other notable prospects such as Shedeur Sanders, Cam Ward, and Jaxson Dart.

However, heading into the Combine, Ewers' stock has seen a slight rise. ESPN's Matt Miller now has him ranked as the fourth-best quarterback. And with the Combine just days away, it's possible that his performance in front of scouts will determine whether he's seen as a future franchise quarterback or a backup prospect with upside.