2022 NFL Mock Draft: QBs go 1-2, Defense Dominates Top 10
8. player. North Carolina. Quarterback. Sam Howell. 28. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Another year passes, and yet again we are perplexed with what the Las Vegas Raiders do in the draft. After Clelin Ferrell and Damon Arnette in previous years, the Raiders made another surprising first round pick in Alex Leatherwood this past April, who seemed more like a day two player. However, the Raiders saw their guy and got him, and then selected a very good safety in Trevon Moehrig, which eased the criticism a bit.
As for the Raiders on the field, they’ve been working closer to playoff territory, and had a chance late in the season in 2020 before a gut-wrenching loss to the Dolphins. Doubt regarding the Mike Mayock/Jon Gruden pairing has plenty set in, and another rough season could potentially spell the end.
Either way, a teardown and rebuild could be necessary anyway. It would likely start at the quarterback position, where Derek Carr hasn’t been horrible, but hasn’t elevated the team enough.
North Carolina signal-caller Sam Howell could be the answer for the Raiders. Howell is likely the consensus QB2 at this point, and falls to eight in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. Howell has very good arm strength and a penchant for great accuracy on the deep ball. He displays a good, quick motion and footwork for the quick passing game and has the mobility and toughness for the NFL. Another strong season likely vaults him securely into the top five in the 2022 NFL Draft. He could be the solution in Vegas.