Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier promised back in January that the team would “leave no stone unturned” in its search for depth at quarterback, especially after starter Tua Tagovailoa missed a career-high six games in 2024.
Following the free-agent signing of veteran Zach Wilson, the Dolphins continued to strengthen their quarterback group by selecting Texas standout Quinn Ewers in the seventh round of the NFL draft on Saturday.
Ewers, once the No. 2 overall recruit nationally out of Southlake Carroll High School in Texas, was ranked as the seventh-best quarterback in this year’s draft class by ESPN. He ultimately became the 13th quarterback selected. Grier revealed that he and head coach Mike McDaniel first connected with Ewers during Texas’ pro day in 2024 and left impressed, particularly after conversations with Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian.
“Sark was really high on him,” Grier said. “He talked about Quinn’s toughness, how he played through injuries this season, and how he handled the pressure, especially with Arch Manning on the roster. He praised his competitiveness and leadership. We’ve kept an eye on Quinn, and when the opportunity presented itself, it made sense.”
Ewers completed his college career at Texas with 9,128 passing yards, 68 touchdowns, and 24 interceptions while completing 64.9% of his passes. He led the Longhorns to a 21-5 record over the past two seasons, helping them secure back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances. He also leaves as the school’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns.
Despite battling an oblique tear and a high ankle sprain during the 2024 season—injuries he said left him fully healthy for only three games—Ewers managed to maintain his starting role over heralded recruit Arch Manning, the nephew of NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning.
Reflecting on his college journey, Ewers emphasized the benefits of enduring challenges.
“I think it shows how mentally tough I am,” Ewers said Saturday. “I enjoy facing adversity because I know I have a plan to overcome it. Everything I went through these past years only made me stronger.”
Heading into training camp, Ewers will compete with Wilson for the Dolphins’ backup quarterback spot. He’s the second quarterback Miami has drafted in the past three years, following Skylar Thompson, who was a seventh-round pick in 2022 and later started three games, including a playoff matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
