Sam Howell Scouting Report | UNC Quarterback is one of the top prospects in 2022

Sam Howell, #7, University of North Carolina, 6’1, 225 lbs

Notes:

• Three Year Starter
• Won the job as a true freshman, set several conference records
• Impeccable reputation on and off the field

2020

• Best quality is his deep ball and arm strength
  • Ball spins out of his hands every time
• Accurate at all levels of the field, inside and outside the numbers
• Very loose with the ball, often holding it with one hand
  • Needs to learn to throw the ball away/get down- takes too many hits
• Pocket awareness is decent, but he has a habit of escaping even in a relatively clean pocket
  • Struggled with inconsistent offensive line play which could play a part of it
• B+ level athleticism, certainly capable of getting positive yards
  • Relies on his athleticism to gain yards and run around instead of find his check down
• Forces the ball downfield a little too often into coverage, needs to find his checkdown
• Gets himself in trouble sometimes with poor footwork/drifting in pocket
  • Most of his misses come from his feet being jacked up and putting himself in pressure when he doesn’t need to
• Struggled a bit recognizing when he is hot
  • Would like to see improvement there

Write Up- Heading into the 2021 season, Sam Howell is one of the top quarterback prospects for a good reason. He is going to be a starter for the third year in a row, an impressive feat in college football. He has all the intangibles in terms of leadership and off-the-field credentials. He has a live arm and can place it where he wants very consistently. He thrives pushing the ball downfield and outside the numbers. His misses are few and far between, but most times it is because his footwork is bad. He has pretty good athleticism and is a strong runner, but he takes too many hits for my liking. He needs to learn to throw the ball away instead of trying to break out of sacks. He sometimes struggled finding/recognizing his hots, mainly in the A&M Orange Bowl game. In 2021, I am looking for a big improvement in his feet. Additionally, he is four playmakers to the NFL, his two starting RBs, and two best WRs. This will be a true test for him to prove that he can elevate the play of the offense, rather than be a product of the system. If he can improve his footwork and prove that he is a truck, not a trailer, I would have no issue with taking him at number one overall. 

About the Author

Matthew Crisafulli is a quarterback himself. The North Kingstown, Rhode Island native is the newest member of NFL Draft Diamonds. He is interested in breaking down quarterbacks being he played the position. Crisafulli played at Bryant University before transferring to Bridgewater State University. We are excited about the addition of a very knowledgeable talent evaluator.