The Washington Commanders traded back again on day three of the NFL Draft. This time they made their deal with the Carolina Panthers to receive two fifth round picks (no. 144 and no. 149). As round five rolled along, the Commanders scooped up University of North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell with the 144th pick.
Sam Howell was projected to go off the board in earlier rounds but he remained available and Washington made their move. The received excellent value with Howell in the late rounds.
With the team headed into the season with Carson Wentz under center, there are still questions about whether he is their quarterback of the future. Only time will tell but now Washington has added depth and competition to the quarterback group.
“This is a dream come true,” said Howell. “I can’t put into words how grateful I am for this new opportunity God has given me. I want to thank everyone who had a hand in helping me get here; my family, my high school coaches, my QB coach, my teammates and the coaches and staff at UNC.”
“I’ve been working for this day most of my life, but now the work really begins,” he continued. “I can’t thank the Commanders enough for putting their faith in me to lead their franchise and I promise I will do everything in my power to be successful. I can’t wait to get to Washington D.C. and get working.”
With Howell joining the Commanders, he will be reunited with a familiar face, former UNC wide receiver Dyami Brown. Some of Howell’s best throws in college were targeted at Brown.
The dynamic duo will now have the opportunity to work that magic again on the NFL field similar to other success stories such as LSU products Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. It may not be immediate but I wouldn’t count out seeing Howell on the field sooner rather than later.
At UNC, Howell set at least 27 school records in just three seasons. He wrapped up his career with 92 passing touchdowns, the third highest figure in ACC history and the most ever by a player in three or fewer seasons.
Howell sits among the league’s all-time greats with the fifth most touchdowns responsible for (111). He also ranks eighth in total offense (11,292), fifth in passing yards (10,283), second in passing yards per game (277.9) and second in passing efficiency (164.2).
Howell is the ninth Carolina quarterback selected in the NFL Draft. He joins a list that includes Mitch Trubisky, T.J. Yates, Ronald Curry, Chris Kupec, Jeff Beaver, Danny Talbott and Jack Cummings.