Sam Howell Summer Scouting Report

Next up on our summer scouting series War Room Scouting takes a look a North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell.

Background

With the improvement of struggling football programs there needs to be a coach and quarterback that are in unison. In order to shape the foundation of a program having the head coach and quarterback in rhythm goes a long way for overall stability and consistency. As head football coach Mack Brown exited retirement to take the job at North Carolina he needed a quarterback to rebuild the struggling program along with him. In comes Sam Howell a native of Monroe, North Carolina with high pedigree as a prospect in the state. According to 247 Sports 2019 Recruiting Rankings Howell was the second best prospect in the state and was the 3rd ranked Dual Threat Passer in the 2019 class. Howell eventually flipped his original commitment from Florida State to North Carolina after the hiring of Mack Brown in order to be a catalyst for a rejuvenated football program.

The 2019 season would be the foundation for what Mack Brown and Howell were hoping for. Starting as a true freshman it did not take long for Howell to make his impact. Starting all 13 games Howell capped off his season with 3,641 passing yards, 61.4 completion percentage, 38 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions Howell would lead North Carolina to a 7-6 record that would earn them a place in the Military Bowl in which they would beat Temple by a score of 55 - 13. His impressive true freshman campaign would earn him 2019 Freshman All American Honors and the 2019 ACC Offensive and Overall Rookie of the Year.

2020 was a season where Howell would continue to see the upward trajectory of his play and of the program. Howell would start all 12 games ending the season with 3,586 passing yards, 68.1 completion percentage, 30 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions leading North Carolina to a 8-4 record but would lose to Texas A&M by a score of 27-41 in the Capital One Orange Bowl. His 2020 performance would earn him All ACC Second Team honors.

Entering 2021 Howell will look to continue his consistent play while also continuing the positive momentum that is generating in the North Carolina football program.

Positives

Quick Release

A part of Howell’s game that immediately stands out is the quick pace at which he releases the football. Operating in a quick passing game under offensive coordinator Phil Longo, Howell executes the offense in an efficient manner as the ball shoots out of his hands with a straight pace and velocity. Because of this, receivers can acquire Howell’s passes quickly allowing them to have an advantage to cut up field as cornerbacks are still trying to react and position themselves for a proper tackle. Past receivers and current pro’s such as Dyami Brown (Washington Football Team) and Dazz Newsome (Chicago Bears) benefited from his efficiency getting the ball out quickly as they were able to thrive in space and showcase their talent to NFL scouts.

Accuracy on all levels of the field

Following his quick release Howell’s ball placement on the short, medium, and deep levels of the field is also something that is a strong point in Howell’s game. On short passes Howell’s quick setup and delivery helps him throw balls to the chest of his receivers. This helps them remove the worry of adjusting to an off-target pass that could disrupt or damage a play. In the medium levels of the field Howell’s accuracy and velocity are further showcased. Due to Howell’s compact frame, he can generate substantial velocity and power through his lower half allowing him to drive passes in between linebackers and into his receivers’ chest on the second level. Howell also carries the ability to layer his passes over linebackers in the medium levels of the field as he has a great understanding of placement and touch as a passer. In the deep passing game is where Howell shows his touch as a passer. Due to the abundance of vertical speed North Carolina possessed in 2020 he was able to attack secondary's with consistent touch and arc on his throws. Because of Howell’s nuance with ball placement as a passer he can hit his receivers in stride layering the ball over deep safeties.

Escapability in the pocket

Another trait in Howell’s game that makes him an efficient passer is his presence to redirect away from pressure at the top of his drop to extend plays inside and outside of the pocket. Howell possesses innate maneuverability to quickly come of his drop to anticipate and feel pressure that is closing on him both from the front and backside. In doing so he finds ways to extend and create plays that seem dead. Howell’s movement skills in the pocket also helps him find passing lanes off different platforms which helps him understand angles and leverage around the field.

Negatives

Forcing passes on his initial read

A noticeable blemish that is shown in Howell’s passing game is his propensity to lock on and force passes into his first read at the top of his drop. Commonly throwing from RPO or quick play action concepts Howell rarely has to scan a full field and is generally restricted to half – field reads. Because of this Howell frequently locks onto out routes and comeback routes even when they are tightly contested by aware cornerbacks. Howell will need to learn the importance of moving away from pre – designed reads to become a more consistent passer.

Premature exits from a clean pocket

While Howell’s ability to maneuver away from crowded pockets and extend plays is a good trait some aspects of his athletic tendencies need to be refined. Throughout many games Howell tends to drift out of a clean pocket hoping to make a play away from structure. In many instances, he pulls the ball down and prefers to scramble rather than continuing his progressions downfield. He will need to learn the importance of using a clean pocket to his advantage as it will make him a refined passer.

Games Watched

vs Virginia Tech (2020), vs Wake Forest (2020), vs Notre Dame (2020), vs Texas A&M (2020)

Scheme Fit

A spread offense that utilizes quick passing attack with RPO’s and play action concepts to get receivers in space where Howell’s accuracy is utilized to its fullest advantage.

Grade

1.2 (Player that falls in between numbers 11-22)

Pro Comparison: Baker Mayfield

Howell’s pro comparison is current Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. Howell’s game possesses similar qualities that were present in Mayfield’s play coming out of Oklahoma in the 2018 NFL Draft. Both having a compact frame, a quick release, consistent accuracy, and escapability out of the pocket are all qualities that both players have in common.

Final Summary

Sam Howell is a quarterback that is suitable in today’s NFL, an accurate passer that can make plays off platform is something that many teams are looking to acquire. His quick release mixed with his downfield touch and accuracy make him a consistent and solidified NFL Draft prospect. Howell will need to continue to improve his progressions as a passer and will need to reign in his early exits from a clean pocket to make strides as a quarterback prospect. The 2021 season will be a crucial year for Howell as he will be operating the offense without top players that were present in last year’s system. Such players included Running backs Javonte Williams (Denver Broncos) and Michael Carter (New York Jets) and Wide receivers Dyami Brown (Washington Football Team) and Dazz Newsome (Chicago Bears). Howell will need to work with new and younger targets. One receiver I expect to break out with Howell is a sophomore receiver in Khafre Brown who possesses expansive speed after the catch. 2021 is going to be a “prove – it” year for Howell as the loss of top targets and the importance of cleaning up progression issues will be crucial in Howell’s development as a 2022 NFL Draft prospect.