Vikings trade for Sam Howell

ESPN goes to commercial at our pick and all the fireworks happen. They don't even discuss our pick.

Nice move. Young, quality QB2 for next to nothing. 

Overview
Stocky, three-year starter who plays with admirable confidence despite inconsistencies in important areas as a passer. Howell attacks the field working from deep to short when he's allowed. He's not a classic full-field reader at this point but has pocket poise and mobility to potentially develop in that area in the future. He muscles throws, hindering his accuracy on drive throws but has adequate arm strength and can expedite off-platform throws. Howell doesn't throw with nearly enough timing or ball placement, which forces wideouts into the boundaries or to break stride, limiting their YAC potential. He flashed impressive dual-threat talent in 2021, which should work in his favor. The 2021 tape was bumpy but his makeup is really good and improvement is likely with better pieces around him. Howell isn't wired for or suited to a ball-control passing attack and might need a vertical passing scheme capable of creating explosive plays in order to succeed.

Strengths
Gamer tendencies since freshman season.
Confident demeanor leaks over to teammates.
Has some sandlot talent when pressed.
Climbs pocket with scanner still clicked on.
Adequate decision-maker reading combo routes.
Can get to his third read across the field.
Looks for explosive throws outside the pocket.
Nimble dealing with foot traffic.
Zip and multiple arm slots for off-platform throws.
Took yards with his legs rather than forcing throws in 2021.
Red-zone value as a runner.
Frisky with shake to elude and pop to finish.

Weaknesses
Squatty frame and tightly bound limbs.
Ball pat and windup slow the release.
Touch and timing both need work.
Muscles the throws with upper body causing the ball to sail.
Falls off the throw unnecessarily.
Gives safety a head-start to make plays over the top.
Deep balls come out late and a little flat.
Placement issues make receivers work hard.
Lacks accuracy on drive throws.
Needs to trust his eyes and cut it loose.
Takes too many unnecessary sacks.

The dude was going to get cut. Not sure why we would trade down almost an entire round together him.  Not a big deal and I’m sure it was done to get him in the building right away, but very uninspiring move.

PurplePorsche wrote:
The dude was going to get cut. Not sure why we would trade down almost an entire round together him.  Not a big deal and I’m sure it was done to get him in the building right away, but very uninspiring move.

Not life or death and ensures you have a guy that can move the offense if McCarthy is injured.  KOC probably takes him to another level. I don’t like that it’s only a 1 year rental but you can probably get a comp pick for him after a year.

PurplePorsche wrote:
The dude was going to get cut. Not sure why we would trade down almost an entire round together him.  Not a big deal and I’m sure it was done to get him in the building right away, but very uninspiring move.

We didn't lose a pick and the value given equates to a mid-6th rounder. We gave up less than Dallas did for Milton, and Howell has actually played in non-garbage time.

I watched him in college a bit and he put up some decent stats.

He played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels, setting school records for most touchdown passes in a single season (38) as well as career passing yards (10,283) and touchdown passes (92).

However, it became apparent when given the keys to the car, he got the yips.

Howell was selected by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft, starting the final game of the season. In 2023, he threw for 3,900 yards while leading the league in interceptions and sacks.

Maybe KOC sees something that can turn him around, like he did with Darnold.

In the meantime, maybe we have undersold Rypien as the primary backup:
Rypien finished his collegiate career as the FBS leader in passing yards (13,581) among current players. He finished as the all-time leader in passing yards (13,581), completions (1,036) and 300-yard passing performances (21) in the Mountain West. In addition to his conference records, he ranks second all-time at Boise State in passing yards (13,581), passing touchdowns (90), completions (1,036), attempts (1,618)

On the bright side, no fair-weather fans will be clamoring to put in our backups…! :cool: :angel:

Kentis wrote:
On the bright side, no fair-weather fans will be clamoring to put in our backups…! :cool: :angel:

I wouldn’t count it out

I watched his entire career as a Tar Heel.

More of a field general than a classic QB that sets his back foot and lets it rip, but he put up big numbers as a Tar Heel.

A fiery, Joe Kapp-like guy. His teammates loved him. Hopefully he's learned to stop running like a fullback.

As a pro, the light bulb hasn't come on just yet, but I'll defer to the quarterback whisperer. KOC must see something.

I really don't have any issues with it. KOC thought it was a good idea so whatever. Onward and upward

Could have been Thurston Howell and still would have been a great move as it means we never have to hear the possibility of Rodgers coming here again, such a relief!

You got a pulse kid?

Good, you're it!

Given the budget, this was shrewd move by Kwesi.

JR44 wrote:
Could have been Thurston Howell and still would have been a great move as it means we never have to hear the possibility of Rodgers coming here again, such a relief!

Ha!

NEVER say NEVER  ;)

PurplePorsche wrote:
The dude was going to get cut. Not sure why we would trade down almost an entire round together him.  Not a big deal and I’m sure it was done to get him in the building right away, but very uninspiring move.

And he would have controlled his subsequent destination. If we indeed liked him isn’t it good that we got him for cheap instead of “hoping” he chose us when he eventually gets cut as you say? Sounds to me like the move was better than what you are saying. Plus you don’t know what their board had for value. Not defending KAM just stating my opinion

I said a while ago they would build a QB room that is no threat to JJM in any way. No Karen, no Kirko. It's smart business.

JJM is the biggest investment at the position in franchise history and it's not exaggerating to say everything rides on his development at this point. They're not taking any stupid chances. The media silly season QB circus was never relevant.

Skol Sam!@sam7howell

📺: https://t.co/Wz1CLiOp3c pic.twitter.com/2zMsZyp4TF

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 27, 2025

He does throw a pretty ball

Good arm, doesn't play with fear, arguably needs to play with more judgement.

KOC, get ready for more reprogramming....

StickierBuns wrote:

He's kind of like a more stout and juiced Case Keenum with a stronger arm. Hope he can get incrementally better with a year in KOC University, but not expecting miracles. He's an ok QB2 and that's fine.

I haven't seen much of Howell. Keenum's magic was off script plays and Houdini like escapes from pressure. Does Howell have that?