Pinpointing where the first quarterback will come off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft is more difficult than it has been in years past. The Jacksonville Jaguars, who pick No. 1, picked Trevor Lawrence last year. The Detroit Lions, who pick No. 2, need a long-term answer at the position but could opt to wait to fill the need with the final selection of the first round. The Atlanta Falcons might also be a team that needs a quarterback.
The Houston Texans are in a similar position to the Lions, but their roster may be in worse shape and will likely look to bolster their offensive line instead of taking another quarterback. They seem content giving Davis Mills another season as the starter.
The New York Jets and New York Giants, who are picking fourth and fifth, aren’t in the market for a quarterback either. The Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons, at No. 6 and 8 respectively, could pull the trigger on a quarterback.
After trading Matt Ryan this offseason to the Indianapolis Colts, it would seem that the Falcons are in the market for a long-term quarterback. But, the roster needs a lot of work. With five selections in the top 82 picks, they will have numerous chances to fill those holes and find a long-term option at the quarterback position.
One NFL scout that talked to NFL Analysis Network believes that the Falcons should pull the trigger on a quarterback in the NFL Draft, but not with the No. 8 overall pick. Instead, they should target North Carolina gunslinger Sam Howell in the second round.
“The Falcons still need a long-term option at quarterback. Marcus Mariota is at best a stop-gap. If they want to snag one with big-time potential, Atlanta should go after Sam Howell in the second round.”
Howell has the confidence and leadership that teams will love. He was a three-year starter with the Tar Heels, so he brings plenty of experience along with him as well. There are some things to tighten up, such as his ball placement, touch and timing, but those are all things that can be worked on.
Landing with the Falcons would be a good spot for Howell as he would be able to sit for a season to continue honing his craft behind Marcus Mariota. The Falcons are also void of much playmaking talent, so being on the sideline while they look to upgrade the skill positions could benefit him in the long run.
Falcons’ head coach Arthur Smith has shown that he can be a creative offensive play-caller, which Howell would benefit from as well. His dual-threat ability that he showed during the 2021 season will be helpful at the next level as well.
