Sam Howell – QB (North Carolina)
Considering how decorated Sam Howell’s career eventually became at North Carolina, the talented quarterback has gone somewhat overlooked during the evaluation process so far. Even after losing players like Dyami Brown, Javonte Williams, Michael Carter, and Dazz Newsome to the NFL in 2021, the signal-caller still enjoyed a fantastic campaign statistically and this could mean he eventually becomes a first-round pick later this year.
This would certainly be a popular pick for the Carolina Panthers considering Howell’s popularity across the region. The prospect certainly ticks a lot of boxes and appeared head and shoulders about his quarterback counterparts in terms of poise during the first day of 2022 Senior Bowl practice.
Howell is also a sneaky dual-threat but does most of his damage throwing the football. His touch is accomplished and this is matched by impressive decision-making under pressure that should translate well to a professional environment.
Whether the Panthers would want to take a chance on Howell or any other quarterback given their pressing need for immediate contributors is debatable. But there are other teams in need of a long-term plan at the position that might take the plunge if Carolina looks the other way.
If Howell can match this level of production in the coming days, then it will do his chances of potentially becoming a top-10 pick no harm at all.