2022 NFL Draft: The top prospect from every top 10 ranked team
9. North Carolina Tar Heels
Best 2022 NFL Draft Prospect: Sam Howell, Quarterback
Last season there would have been plenty of candidates for who was the best prospect on North Carolina’s roster last year. The Tar Heels had four skill position players drafted last year. Even though Javonte Williams was the only one of the four taken within the first two rounds, the other three have the upside to become major cotributors for their NFL team.
Now that the vital skill position players at North Carolina have moved onto the NFL it will be interesting to see how their quarterback Sam Howell performs this season.
Sam Howell is entering his junior season with the North Carolina Tar Heels. He has been the team’s starting quarterback since his true freshman season. During that year Howell threw for 3,641 yards, 38 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. His 3,641 passing yards was second in the ACC.
While his 38 touchdowns broke the FBS true freshman record and UNC school record. Howell’s touchdown total was also the third most in a season in ACC history and the second most by a freshman. Overall he ranked fourth nationally in touchdown passes and led ACC QBs in that category. Howell was named ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year, ACC Rookie of the Year, and Third team All-ACC.
During his sophomore season Howell played one less game but was able to put up similar production to the year prior. He threw for 3,586 yards, 30 touchdowns, and once again only seven interceptions. Howell also showed he is a threat as a runner rushing for 146 yards and five touchdowns last year. His 30 touchdowns once again led the ACC and were sixth in the nation.
He also was able to lead the the ACC in passing yards and ranked fourth nationally. Howell was acknowleged as a Manning Award Finalist, Davey O’Brien Award Semifinalist, and Maxwell Award Semifinalist. He was also named All-ACC Second Team as well.
Going into the 2021 season Howell’s name has been floated as the QB1 for the 2022 NFL Draft if he declares. Another great season could solidfy Howell’s status as a top-10 selection in the upcoming draft.
There are plenty of teams who could look to make Howell their face of their franchise including the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Detriot Lions, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints.
Honorable Mentions:
Ty Chandler, Running Back
Joshua Ezeudu, Offensive guard