5 potential replacements for Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger in 2022
By Tommy Jaggi
Sam Howell, North Carolina
Of all the quarterbacks set to enter the 2022 NFL Draft, Sam Howell seems like the player the Steelers will have their sights set on above everyone else. When it comes to checking boxes, there really isn’t a tool that Howell doesn’t have. He can whip the ball down the field at the flick of a wrist or take off and run with ease.
Though shorter than the Steelers typically like to go at quarterback (6’1”), Howell has a muscular build that is used to taking a beating, and like a younger Big Ben, he can often shake off the first defender.
After getting into the playoffs, the chances of securing Howell in the NFL Draft probably decreased a little, as Pittsburgh will likely be picking in later than they would have been. However, that doesn’t mean that Howell couldn’t fall or that the team wouldn’t be willing to trade a future pick to move up and draft him.
Sam Howell could probably benefit from sitting a year, but Pittsburgh’s wouldn’t be afforded that luxury — especially if he’s the best option on the team. There have been whispers that this team likes Howell more than Kenny Pickett and they could be sizing him up as the next franchise quarterback after Ben Roethlisberger.