Texas quarterback Quinn EwersJeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Quinn Ewers has been heralded as top talent since his high school days. His on-field performance has never fully represented the deemed potential throughout multiple recruiting and draft cycles.
Against the Georgia Bulldogs, Ewers was benched in favor of Arch Manning because head coach Steve Sarkisian was looking for “a spark.” Ewers returned to the game but never looked comfortable playing against the most talented defense he’ll likely face all season.
“Ewers’ performance against Georgia last weekend dropped his stock like a stone in water,” Parson said. “Ewers struggled to navigate the pocket and negotiate pressure from the Bulldogs’ pass rush. He did not evade rushers, instead standing flat-footed in the pocket. His tendency to settle for underneath routes and checkdowns hurt his offense.
“Ewers’ inability to create with his legs created disadvantageous and conflicting situations.”
2. WR Savion Williams, TCU
With Quentin Johnson out of the way, Savion Williams was meant to be the next big target in TCU’s offense. It’s never really materialized that way, though.
During the 2023 season, Williams did lead the rebuilding Horned Frogs with 573 receiving yards. He hasn’t taken the next step. Instead, the 6’5″, 223-pound target has fallen off quite a bit. Williams managed more than 70 receiving yards in a game just once this season.
“Williams is a strong and gifted athlete for his size and stature,” Parson said. “Unfortunately, he hasn’t produced anywhere near his skill or talent level. Against the Utah Utes, he was more effective as a ball-carrier than a receiver.
“Once believed to be the top draftable talent for TCU’s passing attack, Williams appears to be more of an afterthought, thus hurting his draft stock.”
3. DT Ty Robinson, Nebraska
A strong start to the season can leave a good impression that lingers even if it’s not totally warranted a few weeks down the road. The Nebraska Cornhuskers started strong against weak competition, only to falter against better competition.
Defensive tackle Ty Robinson drew early praise. But he hasn’t quite be the same impact performer as of late.
“Robinson gained some notoriety earlier in the season with a big performance against Colorado, a game that had plenty of eyeballs on it,” Holder said. “However, the Cornhusker has been pretty quiet since then, making that outing more of an outlier, as he seemingly was just taking advantage of a weak offensive line from the Buffaloes.”
4. RB Jamal Haynes, Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech’s Jamal Haynes is one of the nation’s most natural runners, with 298 rushing yardage in the first two weeks of October against the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels. But he could wiggle his way free against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
“Haynes was stifled and shut down by Notre Dame’s defense,” Parson said. “Haynes had eight carries for 15 yards, averaging 1.9 yards per carry. He was bottled up and kept from generating any big or explosive plays for the Yellow Jackets’ offense.
“The 5’9″, 190-pound Haynes doesn’t offer a prototypical size event at the RB position. When contained, he must find ways to counter and still be an effective runner.”
At times, Alabama’s redshirt sophomore safety Keon Sabb looks like the best player on the field. Other times, he looks lost. To make matters worse, Sabb will be “down for a while” after suffering a lower-body injury.
“Sabb is trending down this season due to inconsistent performances in both coverage and run defense,” Giddings said. “His lack of fluidity and athleticism in coverage has made it difficult for him to keep pace with receivers, often leading to separation. Compounding the issue, his tackling has suffered from poor angles, and his physicality hasn’t matched the expectations for a bigger safety. The tightness in his movement further limits his ability to adjust in space, leaving him vulnerable to being outmaneuvered by offensive players.
“To fulfill his potential, Sabb will need to address these shortcomings, especially if he aims to become the versatile defensive piece that NFL teams expect.”
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