There was a distinct buzz on North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell going into the 2021 season.
Way-too-early mock drafts wondered if he would go with the first overall pick, or maybe the second pick. The excitement was palpable.
Howell didn't go first overall. He didn't go in the first round of the NFL draft, or the second, third or fourth either. Howell was the first pick of the fifth round on Saturday, to the Washington Commanders.
Howell's stock obviously took a big hit last season, but coming into the draft he was still considered to be one of the top quarterbacks.