2022 NFL Draft: North Carolina QB Sam Howell a tremendous talent
As the 2021 college season draws closer, the draft world will descend to take a look at the 2022 NFL Draft wave of prospects taking the field. The quarterback position will be no different. After a year that saw incredible arm talent and talent overall, the 2022 class has become a bit of a proving grounds.
It’s too early to tell who the riser will be in the 2022 NFL Draft class at quarterback, but there are a few favorites to be the top selections next spring. One of those players resides in the ACC, and is entering his junior season. That would be North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell.
A consensus four start prospect and the number two player in his class from North Carolina, Howell thew for 13,415 yards and 145 touchdowns at Sun Valley High School. He ranks second in state history in passing yards and was ranked the fourth-best quarterback at the Elite 11 finals.
Howell started as a freshman for the Tar Heels, and in 13 games, threw for 3,641 yards and 38 touchdowns on 61.4 percent completion, while throwing only seven interceptions. His season included a comeback win against Miami, and going toe-to-toe with the Clemson Tigers.
While his numbers dropped slightly in his sophomore campaign (3,586 yards, 30 touchdowns), Howell’s completion percentage jumped up nearly seven percentage points and he finished with over 10 yards per attempt. Howell did lead UNC to the Orange Bowl and was a finalist and semi-finalist for many quarterback awards.
His junior season could be one for the books, and he could hear his name called early in the 2022 NFL Draft.