NOLA Saints select Sam Howell in 2022 NFL Mock Draft

The NOLA Saints have Jameis Winston under contract for only this year and there’s no telling if he’ll return in 2022 or move on and play elsewhere. As a result, it’s not surprising to see the black and gold linked to quarterbacks in the 2022 NFL Draft.

In Glynn Morgan of NBC Sports’ mock draft, New Orleans selects North Carolina’s Sam Howell with the No. 18 overall pick.

Morgan offered this analysis:

"Howell lost over 4,000 yards of production from last season when four of his top playmaking teammates moved onto the NFL. So, adjusting to less experienced skill players has affected his overall production and effectiveness from game to game. Despite those weekly challenges, Howell is maintaining a 3:1 touchdown to interception ratio (16:5) several games into the season. The Saints could use a player of his caliber and consistency at the quarterback position instead of the rollercoaster production they are currently experiencing."

NOLA Saints nab Sam Howell in a recent mock draft

Entering the 2021 football season, Howell was right up there with Spencer Rattler when it came to who the top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft would be. Howell usually was the second guy off the board, at least at quarterback but his stock has dropped as the collegiate season has been progressing.

The Tar Heel quarterback has appeared in six games this season, throwing for 1,697 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions during that time. He’s also no stranger to doing damage with his legs, tallying 396 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

While Howell might not be someone who’s ready to start in Week 1 of his rookie campaign, he’s someone who Sean Payton could get the most out of. Payton hasn’t drafted a first-round quarterback since he’s been in New Orleans so this would be a whole new experience for him and for Saints fans.

It’d be shocking to see Howell still be on the board at pick No. 18 but if he is, the Saints might have a tough time passing on him.