When North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell fell to the Washington Commanders with the top pick in the fifth round of April’s NFL draft, head coach Ron Rivera couldn’t hide his excitement. Howell was a quarterback the Commanders liked throughout the pre-draft process, but the trade for Carson Wentz meant Washington would not spend a premium pick on a passer.
Howell came to an ideal situation in Washington. There was no pressure to start early in his career, so every preseason snap was critical for Howell. In each of Washington’s three preseason games, Howell showed off his arm and legs.
