When was ewers drafted

Overview

C.J. Ewers, a standout quarterback from Iowa State, entered the NFL Draft in 2023 after a strong collegiate career. His combination of arm strength, mobility, and leadership made him a top prospect among quarterback evaluations.

The 2023 NFL Draft, held in Kansas City, Missouri, saw significant attention on quarterback talent, with Ewers emerging as a high-ceiling option. Ultimately, he was selected early in the first round, marking a pivotal moment in his professional journey.

• 10th overall pick: C.J. Ewers was selected by the Indianapolis Colts, marking the franchise’s commitment to rebuilding around a young quarterback.
• Draft date: The selection occurred on April 27, 2023, during the first night of the three-day NFL Draft spectacle.
• College background: Ewers played four seasons at Iowa State, finishing with 8,214 passing yards and 63 touchdowns, earning All-Big 12 honors twice.
• Pre-draft ranking: He was ranked as the No. 3 quarterback prospect by NFL Media, behind Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson.
• Contract value: As the 10th pick, Ewers signed a four-year rookie deal worth $28.7 million, including a $17.9 million signing bonus.

How It Works

The NFL Draft is a structured annual event where teams select eligible college players to join the league. The process involves scouting, combine evaluations, team interviews, and strategic decision-making based on team needs and player potential.

• Eligibility: Players must be at least three years removed from high school; Ewers declared after his junior season in 2022.
• Scouting Combine: Held in March, Ewers participated in drills, medical exams, and team interviews in Indianapolis, improving his stock with a 4.78-second 40-yard dash.
• Team Needs: The Colts, seeking a franchise QB after releasing Matt Ryan, prioritized Ewers due to his accuracy and football IQ.
• Mock Drafts: Leading up to the event, Ewers was projected to go between 8th and 12th overall by major analysts like Mel Kiper Jr.
• Rookie Scale: First-round picks are subject to a league-mandated salary scale, which determines Ewers’ $28.7 million contract value.
• Signing Timeline: Ewers signed his rookie contract on June 12, 2023, becoming the 8th first-rounder to finalize terms that offseason.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how C.J. Ewers compared to other top quarterbacks drafted in 2023:

While Ewers was not the first quarterback off the board, his selection at No. 10 reflected the Colts’ confidence in his development trajectory. Compared to peers like Richardson and Levis, Ewers had a higher completion percentage in college at 67.4%, though with fewer rushing attempts, indicating a more traditional pocket-passing style. His draft position allowed him to inherit immediate mentorship from veteran Philip Rivers, who joined the Colts’ staff as a consultant.

Why It Matters

The drafting of C.J. Ewers represents a strategic pivot for the Indianapolis Colts and has broader implications for NFL team-building around young quarterbacks. His selection underscores a league-wide trend of investing early capital in QBs with high accuracy and decision-making skills.

• Franchise reset: The Colts shifted focus to youth by drafting Ewers, signaling the end of the Matt Ryan era in Indianapolis.
• Development path: Ewers spent his rookie season as a backup, appearing in 3 games with a 6-9 touchdown-interception ratio.
• Market impact: His rookie jersey sales ranked 14th among all 2023 draftees, indicating strong fan interest.
• Long-term outlook: Pro Football Focus gave Ewers a 78.2 overall grade in his rookie year, projecting him as a potential starter by 2024.
• League trends: Nine quarterbacks were drafted in the first two rounds of 2023, the most since 1983, highlighting Ewers’ place in a QB boom.
• Collegiate legacy: Ewers became the highest-drafted player in Iowa State history, surpassing former QBs like Sage Rosenfels.

As the NFL continues to prioritize quarterback talent, C.J. Ewers’ 2023 draft selection stands as a key moment in both his career and the Colts’ rebuilding efforts. His progression will be closely monitored in the coming seasons.