Raiders 2022 NFL Draft: Jason Willis’s Top-7 Quarterback Rankings
By Jason Willis
Raiders 2022 NFL Draft: Jason Willis’s Top-7 Quarterback Rankings
Grade: Third Round
After spending the last three years in Chapel Hill, Howell was the first true freshman to start at quarterback for North Carolina. He would start the next two seasons as well and currently holds 21 program records. In 2021, he threw for 3,056 yards, 24 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while leading the Tar Heels to a 6-7 record.
Physically, he is short for an NFL quarterback. Listed at just over six feet tall, the Baker Mayfield comparisons will come early and often. Honestly, I don’t disagree.
Howell is a scrappy football player who does a good job of competing on every snap. Choosing to never say die, Howell will routinely put his shoulder into defenders when carrying the ball in the open field. While this is certainly not something you’d like to see from your starting quarterback, you have to love the competitiveness.
Has shown some ability to throw with anticipation but was still confined to many RPO pass attempts.
His arm has got some juice but it is nothing truly special, gets the job done. Often, like many other short quarterbacks, he reacts poorly to pressure. Choosing to bail out of the pocket most often, Howell does a poor job of keeping his eyes downfield in these situations. While in the pocket he appears lost at times and struggles to consistently find escape routes.
Highly likely to be a first-round pick, I just don’t see that with Sam Howell. While he does appear to be a great leader, he is not a real difference-maker on the field. I would much prefer to select him on day two. He will get his chance as a starter somewhere but I believe he tops out as a career backup.