Sam Howell of UNC is coming into the 2022 draft cycle as one of the hottest QB prospects available, and it's easy to see why when you turn on the tape. With the great traits come some flaws too though, so let's take a moment and dive into the good and the bad of Sam Howell

PROS:

1. Howell has some legit pocket presence. He makes the tiny moves to avoid pressure pretty often and it's pretty rare to see from a guy his age in my opinion. Even outside of the little stuff, though, it's impressive how often he is able to keep his eyes downfield when feeling and avoiding pressure by leaving the pocket entirely. He's always trying to be a pass-first QB. Oh - and he can shake off weak sack attempts, too

2. Howell has a really pretty deep ball. He shows clear chemistry with his receivers and is able to hit his guys in stride more often than not, and he's willing to stand in pressure if that's what it takes to get a good deep ball off.

3. Howell has a beautiful seam ball, he really knows how to utilize his TE as an effective weapon when he's able to split the coverage. In general, he passes into the middle third of the field really well.

CONS:

1. Howell is a gunslinger, and it leads to some really great plays, but it also leads to decisions that just deflate you at times. He's also prone to wanting a big play and waiting to pass to the point where he will pass up some better opportunities in hopes to show off his ability to make that big play.

2. Howell at times struggles to recognize the depth of a defender and can be tricked into throwing some bad passes. He has to learn to read where zone defenders are and if they can make a play better. Also needs work on exotic coverage changes post-snap, but that goes for most young QBs.

3. My biggest issue with Sam Howell comes from his outside breaking routes in the short and intermediate game. Howell really struggles with his accuracy in this area and his footwork plays a big role in this. Howell has to more consistently reposition his body and feet into a solid position to pass toward the sideline without over or underleading his players.

CONCLUSION:

I really like what Sam Howell is, but he's not ready for the NFL yet. Teams will eat him alive with his struggle for consistency outside of the hashes. If he can really focus on his footwork and find some more consistency in this area, though, he's going to be a scary fun prospect in the 2022 draft. He has a pretty rare ability in the pocket for a young QB and a never-say-die mentality that coaches and his teammates alike will love in the NFL. I expect him to be a guy who is off the board early in 2022 given his talent and abilities, especially if he can iron out some of his issues.

As always, let me know what you think whether you agree or disagree! Howell a mixed bag at times so far, but when he has it going he's so fun to watch and he has a ton of skills that will translate to Sunday.