UNC Football: Sam Howell drafted by Washington Commanders

After sliding into the fifth round of the NFL Draft, former UNC Football standout Sam Howell finally has a new home in Washington. 

We had to wait a lot longer than anticipated, but Sam Howell has officially been selected in the 2022 NFL Draft.

The former UNC football standout was selected by the Washington Commanders with the first pick of the fifth round. After a stellar collegiate career at the University of North Carolina, Howell will begin his professional career in the NFC East.

Howell was certainly impacted by the lack of quarterbacks selected in the early rounds of the NFL Draft. The Indian Trail, North Carolina native was seen in most drafts as a late first to a second-round pick, but he continued to slide down the draft board given how the previous selections played out.

This could be a good landing spot for Howell, as he most likely will not be expected to start right away. Carson Wentz, who has a similar set of skills as the former Tar Heel quarterback, is the team’s expected starter, which will give Howell additional time to develop his game in an effort to one day take over as the team’s signal-caller.

Of course, you’d have to expect that Howell will go in with a chip on his shoulder, as he looks to prove to everyone who passed on him that they made the wrong decision. As arguably the greatest quarterback to ever play for the UNC football program, we know that Howell has the drive and determination it takes to thrive at the next level.

Best of luck to Sam Howell as he begins his NFL career with the Washington Commanders!

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