Looking for quarterback depth, the Washington Commanders selected North Carolina’s Sam Howell with the 144th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Washington had actually owned the No. 120 pick but traded back with (pause) you guessed it, the Carolina Panthers, enabling the Commanders to launch the 5th round with the opening pick.
Howell is reunited with former Tar Heel and current Commander wide receiver Dyami Brown, taken in the third round of the 2021 draft.
Howell threw 92 TD passes to only 23 interceptions at UNC and became the sixth quarterback drafted in this year’s rookie class.
Howell is tough physically and mentally, not afraid to run and throws a nice long ball as well. Washington fans will love to see his long ball next preseason.
The Patriots having chosen QB Bailey Zappe late in the 4th round, surprisingly meant Howell was still available for Washington. Coach Ron Rivera had said all along, he would like to have Wentz, Heinicke and a rookie. He probably never dreamed it would be Sam Howell at No. 144.
Great value, great potential this late in the draft. Rivera, Mayhew and Hurney could not pass up Howell.
The Washington Commanders pick North Carolina QB Sam Howell at No. 144 overall.
92.4 PFF grade in 4th quarters since 2019 (1st in the FBS)
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— PFF Draft (@PFF_College) April 30, 2022