Sam Howell took the attention off UNC-Duke for a few hours Monday with his arm
.JPG "North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell demonstates his skills for NFL scouts during Pro Day, Monday, March 28, 2022, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)")
It’s March Madness. For the first time in NCAA history, North Carolina and Duke will meet in the final four. That game is all sports fans in North Carolina are talking about. But for about 3 hours on Monday, the basketball chatter simmered and attention flipped to Tar Heels quarterback Sam Howell as he participated in North Carolina’s pro day.
Howell threw about 53 scripted balls in front of NFL executives, scouts, and media at the Tar Heel’s indoor practice facility. He did not run or jump.
It was a purposely diverse workout with a healthy mixture of under-center, play action, quick game and drop back throws that showcased his powerful arm and NFL-hopeful feet. There were no head coaches and few top executives in attendance because of the league owners’ meetings in Palm Springs, Florida. The Panthers were represented by Vice President of Player Personnel Pat Stewart and Director of College Scouting Cole Spencer.
“The main thing is just being consistent with the footwork, showing them that I can do that,” Howell said. “Do the footwork that they’re doing the NFL. That’s part of the main difference between what we did here in college and what they’re doing. So just trying to show that I’m very comfortable doing that stuff. And I can be very consistent while doing that stuff.”
The 6-foot, 220-pound quarterback threw with comfort and consistency throughout his workout. Howell wanted to show evaluators his feet are pro-ready. He started and threw from several different spots in the pocket, changing his launch point depending on the situation. Several times, an assistant coach rushed Howell, simulating a pass rush and forcing him to navigate the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield.
His best throws came when throwing short or intermediate. Howell has sound command of the ball and pins it where he likes. When throwing deep outs, the ball screams off his hand directly to where only his target can catch it.
One NFL scout, who requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak, told The Observer that Howell is a “good” prospect but he does not “pop” on the field like Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis.
There is some truth there. Howell doesn’t scramble like Willis or stand tall like Pickett. His arm is strong but it’s not the best in its class. His pro day was under-attended compared to the attention most of the other quarterbacks generated last week.
“For some reason, we are not hearing nearly as much about Sam Howell,” Pro Football Focus writer Kevin Cole told The Observer. “Even though he was a pretty big guy coming into his junior year. Maybe that will change. But I really haven’t heard any top-10 buzz about him.”
Howell started 37 games at North Carolina over three years. His passing numbers regressed this past season because he lost four of his primary targets to the 2021 NFL Draft. To offset those losses, Howell shouldered a bulk of the Tar Heels’ rushing responsibilities. He led the team in carries (183) and was second in rushing yards (828) and touchdowns (11).
There is plenty to like about Howell, who is considered the third- or fourth-best QB in his class. As of Monday, the Panthers have a second-round grade on him. His success on the ground likely will not continue in the NFL, and Howell acknowledged he’ll have to run less and protect himself more.
Last month, one NFL scout told The Observer that Howell has the best deep ball in his class while another scout compared him to Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.
“To me, he’s another Baker Mayfield,” an NFL scout told The Observer. “Which is tough for (Howell) after the year the Browns had. He’s tough and can let it fly but I see Baker 2.0 and that’s going to stick with him.”
Howell already met with the Panthers at the Senior Bowl and combine. Carolina is one of several quarterback-needy teams that are doing their due diligence on all of the top 2022 prospects. Only the Steelers have been more visible during the pro days of Pickett (Pitt), Willis (Liberty), Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati) and Matt Corral (Ole Miss). Pittsburgh general manager Kevin Colbert attended North Carolina’s pro day while head coach Mike Tomlin was at the league’s annual owners’ meeting in Florida.
As the draft nears, teams are using their time with quarterbacks to learn more about who they are as football thinkers. Coaches and executives want to know how quickly they can pick up certain concepts or how they problem solve in real-time. It’s a constant evaluation process that Howell is both enjoying and eager to conclude once drafted.
“I love to get out here on the field and show who I am as a player,” Howell said. “I love the meetings as well, just to show them who I am as a person, show them you know, the mental side of the game as well and show them what I know about football.”
Howell will have a few more chances to showcase himself to the Panthers. Howell said he will have an in-person visit with Carolina before April’s draft. He is scheduled to be one of about 30 prospects the Panthers will bring in to further interview and evaluate.
.JPG "NorthCarolinaProDayFootball (3).JPG")
This story was originally published March 28, 2022 at 3:43 PM.
