Steelers draft: 5 quarterback prospects who have elite tools in 2022 NFL Draft
By Tommy Jaggi
Sam Howell, North Carolina
It’s hard to talk about Spencer Rattler without mentioning Sam Howell in the same breath. Both quarterbacks are 20-year-old budding stars who were high recruits coming out of high school. Of the two, Howell probably has the better arm and overall athletic tools. He’s also in contention to be the top pick in next year’s draft.
Howell was too inconsistent at times last year, but he put up elite production at North Carolina over his first two seasons, and it was remarkable to see him record 38 touchdowns to just 7 interceptions as a true freshman in 2019.
Howell is shorter than the Steelers typically like (6’1”) but has good bulk to his frame (225 pounds). While he may be a bit short in stature, his arm talent is undeniable. this has caused many to compare him to Baker Mayfield coming out of Oklahoma. Howell isn’t as gifted as extending the play as Rattler or Willis, but he’s got a cannon attached to his shoulder and can drive the ball as well as anyone in college football.
Depending on how things shape up in 2021 for the Steelers, there’s a chance that Pittsburgh could have a shot at either Rattler or Howell – depending on if one of them starts to slip to the middle of the first round in the 2022 NFL Draft.