2022 NFL Draft: Kenny Pickett vs. Sam Howell An Important Matchup
UNC’s Sam Howell meets Pitt’s Kenny Pickett in a big time 2022 NFL Draft quarterback showdown on Thursday in prime time.
Last weekend, a major matchup in terms of 2022 NFL Draft quarterbacks went down when Mississippi faced Liberty, and the draft world turned their eyes to Malik Willis and Matt Corral. This week, we’ve got another one as North Carolina plays Pitt, a matchup where two quarterbacks that have been trending in opposite directions take the same field. Kenny Pickett and Sam Howell are both firmly entrenched into the draft conversation at quarterback.
It’s been reported by major outlets that over 30 scouts have been credentialed for tonight’s game, including 21 total teams that will be in attendance. Five general managers will be there, including the Steelers’ Kevin Colbert, Denver’s George Paton, Vegas’ Mike Mayock, Minnesota’s Rick Spielman, and Philadelphia’s Howie Roseman. It’s a big ticket to see these guys play.
Pickett has been the big riser of late, to the point where he sits at QB1 for Mel Kiper on his big board. Others haven’t been that bold, but his rise has put him on the radar to potentially be drafted in the first round. It’s clear that the NFL is buzzing right now about Pickett, who has looked very good from the pocket this season. His ball placement has been great to all levels, he has a sufficient arm to hurl it deep and hit throws outside the numbers, he stays poised, and has made some off-platform throws.
Sam Howell struggled week one against Virginia Tech, but has rebounded well in recent weeks. His game against Notre Dame was good, and he helped lead the Tar Heels to an upset over Wake Forest last weekend. It’s been a challenge to gel with a whole new room of backs and receivers, but he’s done well this season. The difference for Howell has been his ability on the ground, where he’s been tough to bring down and picks up key yardage.
So what needs to happen for each tonight? For Pickett, it’s continuing the way he’s played this season. Stay poised, distribute, and stay composed within the Panthers offense. He’s been dynamite this season, and it should continue tonight. For Howell, it’s about showing the growth he’s made with the new receivers out there this season. If he takes care of the football and makes smart decisions, he could impress the scouts and general managers with his deep ball and his growth as a runner.
It’s going to be a much watch for fans and analysts of the 2022 NFL Draft. It will be interesting to see which quarterback, Kenny Pickett or Sam Howell, will play the better game in prime time.