The day is finally here. The 2022 NFL draft begins in Las Vegas on Thursday night with the first round. There will be a total of 32 players that hear their name called in the first round on Thursday night as they find their new homes in the NFL.
But will one of those players be former UNC football standout Sam Howell?
The quarterback has seen his draft stock move up and down a bit over the past few weeks. There are mocks with him in the first round as one of a few quarterbacks taken. There’s also mocks with him out of the first round as well.
As the draft is just a few hours away, the latest mock from Mark Schofield of the Touchdown Wire has the former UNC signal-caller as the last pick in the first round going to Detroit:
The buzz around Sam Howell to the Detroit Lions in this spot has been increasing in recent days. While the Lions might have more pressing needs, such as safety, in this spot, the ability to add a quarterback and secure the fifth-year option is enticing. Sam Howell throws the deep ball well and added production as a runner last season, showing that he has more to offer than just nine balls downfield.
With Jared Goff in place the Lions can take their time with him, and since Detroit has a pick at the top of the second round, they can address a need such as safety early with either Jaquan Brisker or Lewis Cine at the top of day two.
The mock has four quarterbacks going in the first round with Howell being the fourth behind. Malik Willis went first with Kenny Pickett after him and the Desmond Ridder as number three.
Only time will tell if Howell will hear his name called in the first round.
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