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 with the Seattle Seahawks this past offseason,

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.