Best and worst landing spots for Sam Howell in NFL
Former UNC quarterback Sam Howell will hear his name called at some point in the 2022 NFL draft this week. The question for Howell right now is when that will be.
Going into this process, Howell has been mocked anywhere from a first-round pick to a day two pick. One mock draft late before the actual event started had him in the first round going to Detroit.
For Howell, he has the chance to be a franchise quarterback for one NFL team and there are some good fits for him.
We decided to take a look at the best fits for Howell as well as the best scenario and even worst options for him.
Now all we can do is sit here and wait to see where the former UNC standout lands in the coming days.
Best scenario
Dec 13, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Detailed view of an Indianapolis Colts helmet against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts could be the ideal landing spot for Howell. Currently, they are rolling with 36-year-old Matt Ryan at the QB spot, and he would be an ideal veteran for Howell to learn behind. It would also be the best spot for Howell to play sooner rather than later with Ryan having two years left on a hefty 38.9 million dollar contract. The Colts have the ideal pieces in the wide receiver and running back department as well as a consistently good offensive line. The Colts have the number 42 overall draft pick in the second round.
Next best option
Nov 22, 2018; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons helmets on the bench during their game against the New Orleans Saints in the first quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Falcons could offer just as good a home for Howell with their young core in the mix of a rebuild. Marcus Mariota is expected to be QB1 in Atlanta with Feleipe Franks playing back-up. Atlanta gives Howell the best chance to play sooner rather than later, but doing so in the middle of a rebuild could be more harmful than helpful to a young QB career. The Falcons are on the clock with the 8th overall pick and the 43rd pick in the second round.
Okay options
Dec 19, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; A detail view of New Orleans Saints helmets against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Saints and Steelers could be perfect places for Howell to grow, but playing could take longer. The Saints recently experienced their first season without Drew Brees, and the Steelers are set to be without freshly retired Ben Roethlisberger, with both franchises looking for their franchise QB for the first time in over a decade. Steelers, more than likely, will go with Mitchell Trubisky or Mason Rudolph at QB, leaving room for Howell to compete, but being a rookie QB for a team expecting a playoff run is no easy defeat. The Saints offer a similar issue with Jameis Winston expected to return and the recent signing of Andy Dalton.
The Saints have two first-round picks No. 16 and No. 19, along with No. 49 in the second round. They should be in the mix for a QB, but they do have other glaring issues that need to be fixed. The Steelers have the 20th overall pick and many believe a QB will be called with that pick.
Tough options
Jan 2, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Carolina Panthers helmets on the sidelines in the second quarter of their game against the Carolina Panthers at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The Giants and Panthers offer the best chances for Howell to play soon, but that doesn’t mean he should. Both franchises are stuck with QBs they can’t quite let go of in Daniel Jones and Sam Darnold. The Giants have an okay core, but they are still trying to figure out if Jones is the QB they hoped he would become when they drafted him 6th overall in the 2019 draft. Now, under new head coach Brian Daboll, Jones could flourish, making the Giants’ decision to go with Howell in the first two rounds a waste. When it comes to the Panthers, it’s been a nightmare start under Matt Rhule. Adding Howell to the mix of question marks that the Panthers currently have could just offer more finger-blaming than solutions.
The Giants have the No. 5, No. 7, and No. 36 overall picks in the first two rounds. The Panthers have the No. 6 overall pick and don’t have another pick until the 4th round unless they trade up.
As it stands Howell is projected to be a 2nd round draft pick, but don’t be too surprised if a team snags him late round 1.
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