Can Sam Howell Secure the Commanders' Starting Quarterback Role?

With Sam Howell battling against incumbent Carson Wentz for the starting quarterback position, many are questioning his prospects of securing this coveted role.

While Howell showed promise at the collegiate level, entering the 2021 season as a legitimate Heisman Trophy contender, his performance took a significant downturn. Transitioning from a potential breakout star to an interception-prone quarterback, his NFL prospects have significantly diminished. In this context, it's highly improbable that Howell will secure the starting position.

Collegiate Performance and Draft Position

Howell's 2021 performance at the University of North Carolina (UNC) was volatile. Starting the year as a Heisman frontrunner, he struggled to maintain form, particularly in his ability to avoid interceptions. His journey from potential star to frequent interrupter illustrates the precarious nature of football talent at the collegiate and professional levels.

Howell's college career, while showing flashes of potential, ultimately did not translate into consistent NFL-ready performance. His decision to forego the NFL draft for an additional season of college football seemed to reinforce the importance of on-field experience. However, when he did eventually enter the draft, he was selected in the fifth round, 144th overall, by the Washington Commanders.

NFL Draft Analysis and Position Projection

The Washington Commanders' decision to draft Howell in the fifth round suggests a strategic assessment that viewed him as a developmental project rather than a future starting quarterback. This decision aligns with a broader trend in NFL drafts, where teams often select quarterbacks in the later rounds with the intention of developing them into long-term backups.

Teams typically seek quarterback prospects who possess specific physical and intangible traits that can make them immediate starters. Howell's selection in the fifth round, with a projection of becoming an average starter, indicates that he may require significant time and opportunity to develop into a viable player at the NFL level.

Comparative Role and Potential Opportunities

Similar to other rookie quarterbacks drafted later in the NFL draft, Howell faces the challenge of competing for a starting role. His competition, Carson Wentz, remains the established starter. If Howell were to secure the starting position, it would represent a successful pick. However, if he fails to do so, his role is likely to evolve into that of a long-term developmental backup.

The Commanders' approach to Howell reflects a pragmatic stance based on his draft grade, which stands at 6.22, indicating he is expected to become an average starter. This projection acknowledges that while Howell may possess the talent to compete, his draft position and projection suggest a more gradual climb to the starting lineup.

Conclusion

While Sam Howell's journey to becoming a Commanders starting quarterback is not impossible, the likelihood is low given his past performance and draft position. Howell appears more suited to a developmental role, with his primary goals being to learn and grow into a potential long-term backup or positional upgrade in the future.