2022 NFL Draft: 10 players to watch in college football

2022 NFL Draft prospect Quarterback Spencer Rattler #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
2022 NFL Draft prospect Quarterback Spencer Rattler #7 of the Oklahoma Sooners (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Sam Howell, 2022 NFL Draft, Detroit Lions
North Carolina QB Sam Howell. 2022 NFL Draft – Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Sam Howell, Quarterback, North Carolina

Like Spencer Rattler, Sam Howell is expected to be in the conversation for the number one overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. According to Vegas Insider, he’s also one of the favorites to win the Heisman trophy with the sixth-highest odds.

Howell was the number six quarterback in the class of 2019 according to 247 Sports, but he has exceeded expectations. He has thrown for 7,227 yards, 68 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions through his first two collegiate seasons. In 2020, he played 12 games and completed 68.1% of his passes while throwing 30 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions. His productivity at such a young age is extremely impressive.

Howell’s best trait is his arm strength. He has one of the strongest arms in college football, allowing him to stretch defenses down the field and make throws into tight windows. He still needs to work on his lower body mechanics and ability to throw with anticipation, but his physical tools are intriguing.

It’ll be interesting to see how well he plays this season because North Carolina lost many offensive weapons to the NFL Draft this year. Both of their running backs and Howell’s two best receivers are now gone. If he can carry the offense without a plethora of talent surrounding him, he may end up being the number one overall pick.