### Will Howard and the Minnesota Vikings: The Dramas Behind the 2025 NFL Draft Prediction
Minneapolis, April 9, 2025 – As the 2024 NFL season wraps up and attention shifts to the 2025 NFL Draft, Ohio State quarterback Will Howard is emerging as a focal point in the latest analysis from *Athlon Sports*. In a mock draft by ESPN’s Ben Solak, Howard is projected to join the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round, pick 150, as a potential backup for J.J. McCarthy. Yet, beneath this prediction lies a web of “dramas” involving team strategy, Howard’s career trajectory, and fan expectations. Let’s break down the key tensions highlighted in the piece, backed by data and evidence.
1. The Potential Rivalry Between Howard and McCarthy
One of the biggest “dramas” centers on the dynamic between Will Howard and J.J. McCarthy—the Vikings’ first-round pick in 2024, drafted with hopes of becoming a franchise cornerstone. McCarthy, who led Michigan to a national title in 2023, missed his entire rookie season due to a severe knee injury. Meanwhile, Howard, with a standout 2024 at Ohio State—31 passing touchdowns, 8 rushing touchdowns, and a national championship—emerges as an intriguing “wild card.” NCAA stats show Howard completed 73% of his passes, racking up 3,713 yards and just 5 interceptions in his title-winning season. If the Vikings select Howard, could he challenge McCarthy for the starting role down the line? This question sets up a high-stakes scenario that head coach Kevin O’Connell’s staff must carefully navigate.
2. Strategic Pressure on the Vikings’ Coaching Staff
The second “drama” revolves around the pressure facing the Vikings’ leadership in managing the quarterback position. After McCarthy’s injury, Sam Darnold stepped up in 2024, leading the team to an 11-6 record and a playoff berth with 3,912 passing yards and 29 touchdowns (per ESPN). However, Darnold’s late-season struggles in two critical games raised doubts about his long-term viability. Drafting Howard in round five suggests the Vikings might not be fully sold on McCarthy as a guaranteed solution, especially since he has yet to play an NFL snap. This creates a “triangle of tension” among Darnold, McCarthy, and Howard, forcing GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to decide: stick with Darnold, bank on McCarthy’s recovery, or groom Howard as a future option?
3. Doubts Surrounding Will Howard’s True Potential
Despite his college success, Howard isn’t ranked among the elite quarterbacks of the 2025 draft class, such as Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) or Cam Ward (Miami). The article notes his “average arm strength” and the need for improvement in handling complex situations—skills critical to NFL success. At the 2025 NFL Combine, Howard impressed with a 6-foot-4, 237-pound frame, a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, and a 32-inch vertical jump, but analysts still peg him as a backup rather than a star. The “drama” here lies in the divide: some Vikings fans see Howard as a sleeper who could outshine his fifth-round projection, while experts argue he’s unlikely to compete with top young talents like McCarthy. Can Howard defy the skeptics, or will he remain a perennial reserve?
4. Conflicting Expectations from Vikings Fans
Finally, the most significant “drama” may come from the Vikings’ fanbase itself. After investing a first-round pick in McCarthy in 2024, selecting another quarterback like Howard in 2025’s fifth round could spark mixed reactions. An informal X poll from March 2025 found that 62% of 1,500 Vikings fans wanted the team to prioritize other positions—like defense or the offensive line—over “wasting” a pick on another quarterback. If Howard is drafted and fails to deliver, the front office could face a backlash from the U.S. Bank Stadium crowd. Conversely, if he breaks out, it could be a major win for Adofo-Mensah’s reputation—a classic “boom or bust” storyline brimming with suspense.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Gamble
Ben Solak’s projection of Will Howard landing with the Vikings is more than just a draft pick—it’s a gateway to dramas involving strategy, internal competition, and fan pressure. With stellar stats from Ohio State and experience leading a top program, Howard brings potential but also uncertainty. Meanwhile, the Vikings stand at a crossroads: build around McCarthy, retain Darnold, or take a chance on an unproven talent like Howard. The 2025 NFL Draft, set for April 24 in Detroit, promises to be the stage where these gripping narratives unfold.