Should the Atlanta Falcons draft NC quarterback Sam Howell?

Sam Howell seems to be the quarterback that is being overlooked by many with Malik Willis and Kenny Pickett expected to be first off the board at their position. Carson Strong has been talked about as a great development project with potentially the strongest arm in his class while Matt Corral’s potential could make him an early first-round selection.

With the Atlanta Falcons now firmly in the quarterback market, Sam Howell being overlooked could work in their favor.  Could the former North Carolina quarterback fit with Arthur Smith’s Falcons?

It seems increasingly likely that Malik Willis will be off the board before the Falcons have a selection leaving the team sticking with Mariota or taking a gamble in the second or third round, enter Sam Howell.

If Howell is still on the board when the Falcons pick in the second round they should take a chance on the quarterback. What makes Howell so exciting is his ability to get out of the pocket and deliver the ball with accuracy down the field or to make a play with his legs and get a first down.

What likely has Howell sliding in this draft is a season of inconsistency that should have some alarm bells ringing for potential team fits. Howell’s ability to get through each read before taking off or finding the open receiver was inconsistent at best this past season with North Carolina.

Far too often Howell would get out of the pocket before he had to or force the ball to his first read when his second or third options were far more open. While this is a concern it shouldn’t keep a team from taking a chance on the quarterback.

Talent cannot be taught and there is no questioning Howell’s level of natural talent at the position the concerns can be addressed in a stable system with the right coaching staff. For Atlanta, the one concern might be the fact that Howell’s need to mature would often have him taking unneeded sacks behind an offensive line that gives up plenty of their own accord.

On the flip side, Howell is mobile and would be able to get out of trouble and create plays with Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson just as Ryan did last season when he managed to escape an often imploding pocket.

Howell is the answer long term for Atlanta seems doubtful but if they are unable to draft Willis and Howell is there in the second round the Falcons need to take the chance. Bringing him in behind Mariota and allowing him to compete in camp and pre-season will give Atlanta an idea of whether or not he is the guy.

Without a franchise quarterback, this team isn’t going to be anywhere close to competitive over the next two seasons. Gambling on Howell is a move that gives Atlanta a chance of finding the right guy without the risky first-round gamble that Kenny Pickett or Matt Corral would seemingly require.

If he does fall to the second round Howell is an intriguing fit that the Falcons should gamble on and give a chance to develop. If Howell can improve his decision-making and learn to read the field a bit quicker there is reason to think he could prove to be the best quarterback in his class.

Much like Willis Howell comes with big-time success or big-time bust potential. Atlanta is well past playing it safe, however, and if Howell falls their way should take a chance on the quarterback.