When the Washington Commanders selected North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell with the first pick of the fifth round in the 2022 NFL draft, many immediately called him the steal of the draft.
Heading into his final college season, Howell was considered one the top NFL quarterback prospects for 2022, a surefire first-round pick, and possibly even a top-10 pick.
Unfortunately for Howell, he lost his top two running backs and top two wide receivers to the NFL and had to shoulder an even bigger load for UNC’s offense in 2021. It led to a slow start, but as the season progressed, so did Howell.
Somehow, Howell fell to the fifth round, and Washington gladly selected him. Head coach Ron Rivera seemed elated to land Howell. NFL draft analysts, such as Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network, noted how Howell couldn’t have landed in a better place. Washington acquired veteran quarterback Carson Wentz, who is far from a sure thing, meaning Howell could play sooner than some think.
What are Howell’s chances of seeing the field in 2022?
Michael Renner of Pro Football Focus recently named 10 Day 3 rookies to watch in 2022. Howell came in at No. 3 on his list:
Early reports out of Commanders’ camp have not been kind to newly acquired quarterback Carson Wentz. While Howell looks unlikely to unseat Wentz in Year 1, Howell could still beat out Taylor Heinicke for the QB2 job. And if the reports are to be believed, he looks to be doing just that.
Howell has NFL-caliber arm talent and mobility, but the questions about how the offense he played in at North Carolina would translate to the league caused him to fall to the fifth round. If he’s already picking up the Commanders’ offense, that’s a great sign for the future.
Don’t count on Howell beating Heinicke out in 2022. Washington loves Heinicke as a backup. The Commanders trust him to start games in case of injury. Washington also loves Howell and would prefer to have him sit in 2022.
If Wentz were somehow benched this season, Heinicke would likely enter the game. But, if the Commanders are far out of contention later in the season, don’t be surprised if Howell sees the field.
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