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2022 NFL Draft Prospect Matchmaker: Quarterback Fits

By Christopher Thomas

Feb 2, 2022; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Kenny Pickett of Pittsburgh (8) listens to coach during National practice for the 2022 Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, USA.Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports***National quarterback Desmond Ridder of Cincinnati (9) is seen in background***
Feb 2, 2022; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Kenny Pickett of Pittsburgh (8) listens to coach during National practice for the 2022 Senior Bowl in Mobile, AL, USA.Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports***National quarterback Desmond Ridder of Cincinnati (9) is seen in background*** /
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2022 NFL Draft, Sam Howell
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 30: Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks to pass during the first half of the Duke’s Mayo Bowl against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Bank of America Stadium on December 30, 2021, in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Quarterback #5: Sam Howell, North Carolina

Before the start of the 2021 College Football season, North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell was in the conversation with former Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler and Oregon pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux to go first overall. However, after a rough season, Howell will now go somewhere on day two of the 2022 NFL Draft. Howell lost his best two receivers Dazz Newsome and Dyami Brown along with his best two running backs Javonte Williams and Michael Carter who were all drafted last offseason. He was expected to take a leap forward as a quarterback prospect without the weapons that got him into the top quarterback conversation.

Before the start of the College Football season, Howell was compared to current Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. After seeing the way both Howell and Mayfield struggled this past season that comparison still remains true. Both are mobile quarterbacks who have strong arms that have been reckless with the football at times. Howell and Mayfield struggled with interceptions more. this past season that they did their respective previous seasons.

That being said, Howell could still land with a team that gives him the inside track to eventually become a team’s starting quarterback. It may take him landing in the right situation, but Howell does have the skillset to be a trustworthy starting quarterback in the NFL. The team that selects Howell will likely be one that has more pressing needs to address in the first or possibly second round but also need to take a quarterback to groom for the future. A team that fits that mold perfectly is the Atlanta Falcons.

It feels unlikely that the Atlanta Falcons will take a quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft because of their pressing needs for a wide receiver or pass rusher. But they have two selections each in the second and third round due to the Julio Jones and Matt Ryan trades. While they need to use those assets to add potential starters to this roster, they could invest one of those picks into Howell to become the team’s potential starter at quarterback.

Atlanta currently has Marcus Mariota listed as their starting quarterback. If they were to select Howell he would likely compete with Mariota for the starting job. Howell would then back up Mariota until the season became a loss and they could see what they have in him going forward. Head coach Arthur Smith should be able to coach Howell to be the player many thought he could be coming into this past season. If Arthur Smith sees his potential franchise quarterback in Howell he could be a steal in the second round.

Prediction: The Atlanta Falcons use the 58th overall pick acquired from the Tennessee Titans to select Sam Howell.

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