After a preseason injury that derailed his rookie season, it's J.J. McCarthy's time to shine in Minnesota. The Vikings allowed Sam Darnold to move on and sign w

While Howell has shown the arm talent to be a potential stopgap starter, he is no Darnold, a former No. 3 overall pick. Howell's closer Vikings comparison would be Nick Mullens, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in March.

J.J. McCarthy would hardly consider his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings a wasted one even though the torn meniscus in his right knee forced him to begin his career with film study and in the training room.