Longhorns QB projected to be first round pick by CBS Sports

With the start of the NFL season only days away, networks nationwide have already started thinking about how the 2025 draft will shake out. On Monday, CBS Sports released its latest mock draft, with Longhorns QB Quinn Ewers selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round.

While the Browns already have Deshaun Watson under contract until 2027, his time in Cleveland hasn’t gone as planned. Over the last few years, he has dealt with off-field issues and injuries. If he again struggles in 2024, CBS sees Ewers as a possible solution for the Browns.

During his time in Austin, Ewers has been a human highlight reel. He has appeared in 22 games, recorded 37 touchdown passes, and thrown for 5,656 yards. The Texas native has also made an impact with his legs, adding six rushing touchdowns to his resume, including five last year.

Although the draft is still months away, Ewers has already shown that he has the potential to be a good quarterback in the NFL. With him under center, the Longhorns won 12 games during the 2023 campaign and fell two wins short of a national championship.

As Ewers prepares for his third season in Austin, he will look to end the Longhorns title drought and show NFL teams he should be part of their future. If DeShaun Watson does not put everything together this season, the Browns could look to the college ranks for their quarterback of the future.

That is something that CBS Sports is not counting out. In their mock draft, CBS said, “Is this the year Deshaun Watson puts it all together? If the answer is no, the Browns — despite the very hefty salary-cap implications — might have to consider Plan B at quarterback. Ewers is a better athlete than he’s given credit for, has a huge arm, and is efficient from the pocket.”

During the 2024 campaign, Ewers will be a player to watch as NFL teams start to consider their draft strategy.