Sam Howell | North Carolina 6’1” 220 lbs. | 9/16/2000 (Age 21)
Sam Howell was drafted with the first pick of the fifth round by the Washington Commanders, becoming the sixth quarterback and 144th overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Howell had prolific freshman and sophomore seasons for the Tarheels as a three-year starter. He threw for over 7,100 yards and 68 TDs to go with just 14 INTs those first two years while finishing in his junior season with 3,056 yards and 24 TDs to go with nine more INTs. He had 828 yards rushing and 11 rushing TDs in his final season. He is headed to the NFL with the all-time Tar Heel records for passing yards and passing TDs.
FILM
Howell shows good touch on his throws and does a good job of looking off defenders while setting up in the pocket. He has a strong arm and can fire short and intermediate throws with a lot of zip while also excelling on deep balls. He can throw from multiple release angles and has a very quick release.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Howell threw at the combine but did not participate in the athletic tests. He was predicted by one source to run a 4.9 forty-yard dash and indeed produced a lot on the ground during his final season.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Poor
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Above-Average
Howell was selected with the 144th-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Commanders
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Howell will need to sit and learn behind Carson Wentz before he gets a chance to become fantasy relevant. The Washington brass has given their public endorsement to Wentz as being a long-term answer for the club, but we all know anything can happen in the NFL. Howell was once considered the #1 QB prospect coming into the 2021 season, and for a time that summer was the odds on favorite to go #1 overall. His 2021 season was not as good as 2020 but he did show his ability to create with his legs and could be a sneaky good value for both the Commanders and fantasy owners.
I think we will see a lot of variance in where these rookie QBs go in Superflex rookie drafts. I expect Howell to go anywhere from late first to late second. He will likely not hold any redraft or best ball value but Wentz has not been the picture of health. Nor has he been as good as he was before his major injuries.
Stay sharp out there and remember, you only have to be better than half your leaguemates on average to be a perennial playoff team. Let’s keep balling! Look for more of my articles soon.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to reach out to me to chat about fantasy football on Twitter @Ship_Chaser and follow along with me on my journey as I chase six-figure paydays! #DFFArmy #FantasyFootball #AlwaysBeBuilding #NFL #NFLDraft #NFLTransactions #NFLTrades #AlwaysBeScouting
