Should the Panthers wait for North Carolina QB Sam Howell?

The Carolina Panthers draft plans will likely center on a quarterback in the coming years, but should they wait for Sam Howell?

It is evident that the Carolina Panthers draft team will be aiming to find their long-term quarterback in the next couple of years. The franchise brought in Teddy Bridgewater to plug the gap during free agency. But a longer-term solution might be prudent to acquire if the former first-round pick does not pan out as expected.

There is plenty of speculation linking the Panthers draft with a high-end pick in 2021 given the team’s predicted struggles. This would put Carolina in a position to take Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence or Ohio State standout Justin Fields to take the organization forward.

Either player would be a hugely enticing proposition if the Panthers draft plans to involve a top-three selection next year. However, if Bridgewater plays well the decision-makers might be willing to wait until 2022 and boost other areas of the field.

One player that really caught the eye just a stone’s throw away from Bank of America Stadium was North Carolina signal-caller Sam Howell. The freshman made a lasting impression during his first year within the college system and has all the makings of an NFL star if he continues on an upward curve.

There is much work for Howell to do before he has his name called by commissioner Roger Goodell. But the early signs are incredibly promising regarding a player that has a composure under center beyond his tender age.

Howell eventually ended 2019 with a 61.4 completion percentage on his way to 3,641 yards, 38 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. With the promise of further growth over the next two years before the prospect becomes eligible for the NFL, he is a player the Panthers draft team should be keeping a close eye on.