Daniel Jeremiah compares 2022 NFL Draft prospect to Baker Mayfield
NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah is starting to dive into 2022 quarterback prospects, comparing one to Baker Mayfield
It’s never too early to start looking at the next year’s NFL Draft prospects, and since the first week in June is a slow time on the league calendar something has to fill the void. NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah has started to dive into the 2022 draft, and he has compared one of the top quarterback prospects to Baker Mayfield.
At this point in the process, looking to the 2021 college season and the 2022 NFL Draft, North Carolina’s Sam Howell is the No. 2 quarterback prospect, behind Oklahoma’s Spencer Rattler, for many analysts.
After a nice season as a redshirt freshman in 2019 (3,641 yards, 38 touchdowns, seven interceptions), Howell led the ACC in passing yards (3,586) with 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also raised his completion percentage rose to 68.1 percent (61.4 percent in 2019) and yards per attempt (10.3; 8.6 in 2019), while adding five rushing touchdowns.
At 6-foot-1, 225 pounds, Howell has a similar build to Mayfield (6-foot-1, 215 pounds). Jeremiah is on to something in terms of skill set too, though Howell looks like a better athlete.
A challenge for Howell heading into the 2021 season will be adapting to new a set of talent around him. The Tar Heels had two running backs (Javonte Williams, Michael Carter) and two wide receivers (Dyami Brown, Dazz Newsome) drafted this year. But he’s on track to be a top-five pick next April. The comp to Mayfield is as apt, but a lot of people might shrug at it too.