2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Sam Howell
- Position: Quarterback
- School: North Carolina
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 220lbs
Film Watched: Virginia Tech 2021, Texas A&M 2020, NC State 2020
Pro's:
- Three year starter at Chapel Hill, missing just one game since arriving on campus
- Strong, durable frame that looks capable of withstanding the physicality of the NFL
- Ultra-competitive; shows incredible toughness in the pocket and as a scrambler
- Quick release that generates incredible velocity on the football
- Impressive downfield accuracy, and notable determination to hit his receiver in stride
- Became a true dual threat QB as a junior, running for five times as many yards as the previous two years combined
- Praised by the UNC coaching staff for his leadership skills and team-first mentality
Con's:
- Inconsistent pocket movement; can look antsy and is inclined to bail horizontally
- Eyes betray him at times – gets caught waiting for plays to develop, DB’s can key on to him
- Lower body mechanics will improve with more composure under duress
- Lack of autonomy at the line of scrimmage means a steep transition to the NFL is likely
- Ball hangs away from his body in the pocket – had 19 total fumbles in his Tar Heel career
The Verdict:
“Big things were expected of North Carolina in 2021, and it didn’t quite work out that way. Sam Howell, to his credit, showed incredible maturity and growth to come through a season of adversity without too much detriment to his glowing reputation. Life without all the departed talent wasn’t easy, but Howell demonstrated his leadership skills and dedication to the team by changing his playing style to more of a dual-threat role. The attributes that made him the pre-season darling of the ACC are still evident, but his lack of experience in a pro-style offense will make NFL teams wary of an extended transition period. Can he be an NFL starter as once presumed? Probably. But it won’t be easy, and it won’t be immediate.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: COLT McCOY
PREDICTION: SECOND ROUND PICK
5/5