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3 Quarterbacks the Atlanta Falcons could target in the draft

By Nick Halden

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 04: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers runs against Luiji Vilain #2 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and Traveon Redd #17 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half of the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 04, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Logan Whitton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 04: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers runs against Luiji Vilain #2 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons and Traveon Redd #17 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half of the ACC Championship game at Bank of America Stadium on December 04, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Logan Whitton/Getty Images) /
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CHAPEL HILL, NC – OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels plays against the Duke Blue Devils on October 02, 2021 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won won 38-7. (Photo by Peyton Williams/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC – OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Sam Howell #7 of the North Carolina Tar Heels plays against the Duke Blue Devils on October 02, 2021 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won won 38-7. (Photo by Peyton Williams/Getty Images) /

2. Could former North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell sit and learn behind veteran Matt Ryan?

Sam Howell plays with a lot of the same reckless confidence that Baker Mayfield did in college. He is a better scrambler and certainly has better straight-line speed but his tough play style is reminiscent of Mayfield.

There are questions about Howell’s decision-making and his ability to translate his playstyle to the next level. At times at North Carolina, he forced throws that weren’t there or took off from the pocket when he had an open receiver.

What makes him so dynamic to watch is also what has hurt his draft stock throughout the college season. Howell is still likely to go late in the first round or early in the second but it seems Atlanta will have a choice whether or not to draft him.

Howell much like Willis is going to be at his best if a team drafts him and has him develop behind a veteran. If Howell is drafted by a roster looking for a franchise guy to build around they will be disappointed.

Howell has that capability but is going to need time and a lot of support to adjust to the next level. That support and time is there if Atlanta were to bring Howell in to sit behind Matt Ryan.