The Minnesota Vikings continue to hold firm with Sam Howell as the backup QB behind J.J. McCarthy, even though Kirk Cousins ...

Howell landed at No. 11—far higher than most casual fans would expect. Brett Rypien, by contrast, wasn’t even mentioned, a sign of how far down the depth chart he’s perceived to be league-wide.

Minnesota Vikings get more confirmation that Sam Howell is their best option behind J.J. McCarthy Gilbert Manzano of SI.com recently ranked Howell No. 11 in his ranking of NFL backup quarterbacks.

Sam Howell's place in recent ranking confirms direction Minnesota Vikings should go Gilberto Manzano of SI.com recently ranked each NFL backup quarterback, counting down from No. 32 to No. 1.

And for most of his college career, Sam Howell was seen as a potential first-round pick. Hell, he set the school record at North Carolina for career passing yards (10,283) and touchdowns (92).