There’s a fine line between evaluation and reputation in the pre-draft process. For Quinn Ewers, that line is getting harder to separate. Once hailed as a generational arm talent and the type of quarterback prospect who drew Trevor Lawrence comparisons before he even saw a college snap, Ewers entered the 2024 season with first-round expectations. But as scouts revisit the tape and weigh the inconsistencies against the hype, some conversation around him has shifted.
On paper, Ewers did his job in 2024—3,472 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, 12 picks, and back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances for Texas. But that stat line does little to shield him from the growing chorus of doubts around his NFL viability. The most vocal came recently from former NFL quarterback Shaun King, who appeared on the Ross Tucker Podcast and flat-out called Ewers “undraftable.” King doubled down, questioning Steve Sarkisian’s quarterback decision all season and claiming that if Texas had started Arch Manning, they would’ve won the national title. “I truly think if Sarkisian played Arch Manning, Texas wins the natty this year. I think Texas was that good at other positions,” King said.
“I truly think if Sarkisian played Arch Manning, Texas wins the natty this year. I think Texas was that good at the other positions.”@realshaunking on “undraftable” Quinn Ewers & the 2024 Longhorns: pic.twitter.com/4ifuKTVklb
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) April 6, 2025
His performance in Tuscaloosa back in Week 2 was supposed to be the turning point. Ewers carved up Alabama’s defense for 349 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing the arm talent that once made him the No. 1 overall recruit in the country. He threw with timing, confidence, and touch, giving NFL scouts a taste of what his ceiling could be. But as the season wore on, the same mechanical flaws and decision-making inconsistencies that plagued him in 2022 crept back in. He missed too many routine throws on money downs, completing just 58.6% of his passes on third-and-medium (4–7 yards) and was sacked 22 times in Big 12 play, many the result of holding the ball too long in the pocket.
But despite everything, teams haven’t closed the book. The Seattle Seahawks have done extensive Day 2 homework and reportedly view Ewers as a developmental option behind Sam Darnold, who signed a one-year deal as a bridge quarterback. In New Orleans, the interest is even more layered. The Saints, who brought Ewers in for a top-30 visit, hold three Day 2 picks (Nos. 40, 71, and 150), and new head coach Kellen Moore is known for maximizing unpolished passers.
Moore helped Dak Prescott transition from a fourth-rounder to a franchise QB, steadied Cooper Rush in tough stretches, and played a significant role in Justin Herbert’s refinement during his second year in Los Angeles. Multiple league sources have pointed to the Saints as a “fit-based” destination, where Ewers’ rhythm-based passing and quick-trigger release could be molded in a West Coast framework.
Still, the looming presence of Deion Sanders complicates the narrative. While Coach Prime has publicly stated he won’t dictate where Shedeur lands, his comments haven’t exactly been neutral.
Shedeur Sanders’ NFL destination – hints from Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders knows how to keep people talking, and when he talks, people listen. His recent comments about Shedeur have added fuel to speculation about where his son will begin his NFL career. During Colorado’s Pro Day last week, Coach Prime dropped what many interpreted as a hint about Shedeur’s ideal landing spot. “I got to end with this—I like these colors though. Don’t you like these colors?” Sanders said while rocking Colorado’s black-and-gold attire. The comment immediately sparked speculation that he was referring to the New Orleans Saints, who share the same color scheme.
But Deion isn’t stopping here. In interviews, he has openly praised New Orleans as a potential landing spot for Shedeur. “I like the colors, I like the city, I like the food, I like the people,” he said during Pro Day. “I like the possibilities”. While Deion insists that he won’t interfere with where Shedeur gets drafted, his comments suggest he has strong opinions about which teams would be the best fit for his son. “Sheduer has consistently performed at a high level year after year… I firmly believe he is one of the safest choices in this draft.”
Well, this isn’t really a new territory for Deion Sanders. At Jackson State and Colorado, he played a hands-on role in shaping Shedeur’s career trajectory. Deion recruited him out of high school to ensure he had opportunities to shine on college football’s biggest stages. Now, as Shedeur prepares for the NFL Draft, Deion continues to advocate for what he believes is best for his son.
While Deion believes this is the best move, landing Shedeur won’t be an easy task for New Orleans. The Saints hold the No. 9 pick but may need to trade up into the top three to secure him. It’s a move that will require significant assets. Kellen Moore’s presence as head coach adds intrigue; known for developing quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and Justin Herbert during his time as an offensive coordinator, Moore could be an ideal mentor for Shedeur.
However, there’s another layer to all of this. Moore skipped Colorado’s Pro Day last week—a decision that raised eyebrows among analysts. Instead of attending himself, Moore sent assistant coaches Scott Tolzien and Keith Williams to scout Shedeur. This move has fueled speculation about whether New Orleans is genuinely targeting him or keeping their options open with other prospects like Cam Ward (Miami) or Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss).
The New Orleans Saints have three Day 2 picks at their disposal. The Saints could also consider drafting Quinn Ewers as a developmental prospect if they miss out on Shedeur or Ward. As we approach draft day on April 24, these two quarterbacks are dominating headlines for very different reasons. Quinn Ewers faces mounting criticism but still has teams intrigued by his raw potential. Meanwhile, Deion Sanders’ vocal support for Shedeur adds even more intrigue to one of this year’s most compelling storylines.
Will New Orleans make a bold move to land Shedeur? Or will another team swoop in and grab him? And can Quinn Ewers prove his doubters wrong? One thing’s for sure—this year’s NFL Draft promises plenty of drama, and we’re here for every second of it.
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