Redrafting the Minnesota Vikings 2022 rookie class

Fourth-Round Pick (118th overall)

Original Selection: Akayleb Evans – CB (Missouri)

Redraft Selection: Sam Howell – QB (North Carolina)

Yes, the Vikings gave Kirk Cousins an extension this offseason, and, yes, Kellen Mond is already on the team’s roster. But using a fourth-round pick on former North Carolina quarterback Sam Howell in this year’s NFL Draft could have benefitted Minnesota in multiple ways.

First and foremost, Howell has talent. He can chuck it deep, he can deliver a quick strike over the middle, and he’s got some wheels too (rushed for 828 yards in 2021).

If they selected him, the Vikings could have taken multiple different paths with Howell. Minnesota could have had him compete to be the team’s top backup next season, they could have developed him to be their starter when Cousins’ contract expires in 2024, or they could have built up his value and traded him for draft picks in the future.

Smart teams aren’t afraid to take risks on quarterbacks in the draft and the Vikings would have benefited from taking a chance on someone like Howell with a mid-round selection this year.