Sam Howell

A 2022 fifth-round pick, Howell started one game last season for Washington -- Week 18 -- but is expected to be the Week 1 starter this year. Only free-agent acquisition Jacoby Brissett is around to challenge him for the job after the team parted ways with Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz. A three-year starter at North Carolina, Howell showed a quick release and above-average arm strength, with good accuracy on deep throws. At 6-1, 220, Howell is strong for a QB and capable as a runner, but he’s not especially fast and isn't likely to get many designed runs (27 of his 35 rushing yards in his lone start last year came on scrambles). Washington has a good group of wideouts for Howell to target in Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel, and former Kansas City offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy promises to get them the ball in space with a quick-passing game as the new OC. Howell should at least be useful in two-QB leagues if he can hold the job.

Howell had first-round buzz after putting up 38 touchdown passes as a freshman and 10.3 yards per attempt as a sophomore, but he dropped all the way to the fifth round after a disappointing junior year at UNC. He'll begin his career as the third quarterback in Washington behind new No. 1 Carson Wentz and 2021 starter Taylor Heinicke. Howell did run for 828 yards and 11 TDs last year, suggesting he might offer more mobility than the veterans ahead of him, if nothing else.