Sam Howell traded to Vikings

[Maelstrom787]

Announced live on ESPN draft coverage by Schefter.

 

[Maelstrom787]

 

[Double Tribble]

Not surprising

 

[NoGain]

Cool that we got something immediate for him in the draft.

 

[Hawkstorian]

Swapping picks in the 5th rd. Good deal for a player we were going to cut.

 

[NoGain]

Just as I say we got something immediate for Howell in the draft, we then draft a player who will be out for a year rehabbing a torn ACL. LOL

 

[AnimeAmore]

Like I thought, he wouldn't net us an extra pick but was part of a pick swap. Certainly better than nothing for a player who clearly wasn't going to be on the team this season.

 

[pittpnthrs]

Still laughing at the people claiming he was QBotF material.

 

[RehireMora]

A 5th round swap? And what did Sammy cost the team to acquire him?

Strong work JS!

 

[pittpnthrs]

Just as I say we got something immediate for Howell in the draft, we then draft a player who will be out for a year rehabbing a torn ACL. LOL

Yeah this draft keeps getting worse.

 

[Chukarhawk]

Just as I say we got something immediate for Howell in the draft, we then draft a player who will be out for a year rehabbing a torn ACL. LOL

incorrect, will be back around the season start. 4th round grade.

 

[NoGain]

incorrect, will be back around the season start. 4th round grade.

I'll be surprised if he's on the active roster at the start of the season, but we'll see.

 

[Chukarhawk]

he's a physical specimen. Love this pick.

Draft Profile: Bio​

The Fighting Irish's Rylie Mills has steadily climbed from rotational piece to defensive cornerstone during his time in South Bend. The Lake Forest, Illinois native arrived at Notre Dame as a highly-touted four-star recruit in 2020 and immediately found himself in the rotation, appearing in nine games and even drawing a start against Alabama in the College Football Playoff as a freshman.

Mills truly found his footing during his junior campaign before exploding onto the national radar as a senior in 2023, starting all 13 games while recording 47 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. The defensive lineman's trajectory continued upward in 2024 as a team captain, where his disruptive presence earned him Second Team All-American honors from both ESPN and Sporting News. His ability to generate interior pressure was highlighted by a career-best three-sack performance against Florida State, showcasing the pass rush upside that has scouts intrigued.

What separates Mills from other prospects is his rare blend of size and movement skills. Standing 6'5" and weighing 291 pounds, he earned the No. 10 spot on Bruce Feldman's prestigious "Freaks List" and backed it up with eye-popping measurables including a 4.79 40-yard dash. The combination of his physical tools, production growth, and technical refinement culminated in a senior season that saw him rack up 7.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss before suffering a season-ending ACL tear in the College Football Playoff against Indiana—a setback that showcases another side of Mills' character as he rented an RV and drove 24 hours to Miami just to support his teammates during their championship run.

 

[RehireMora]

"Oh, you don't think a GM can lose 51 spots in the draft and get back absolutely nothing, hold my panties"
-JS

 

[Trackhawk]

He is expected to be “fully healthy” by training camp.

 

[ruffENrowdy]

"Oh, you don't think a GM can lose 51 spots in the draft and get back absolutely nothing, hold my panties"
-JS

I couldn't imagine being a negative Nancy like this lol. Its a draft, its a crapshoot. Take who you think will make the team better

 

[toffee]

Please do not be surprised when Howell outcompetes JJ.

 

[keasley45]

Still laughing at the people claiming he was QBotF material.

You mean John Schneider?

 

[SoulfishHawk]

Even during one his best drafts in years, people can't even tip the cap. As if it would physically hurt give him some credit

 

[pittpnthrs]

I couldn't imagine being a negative Nancy like this lol. Its a draft, its a crapshoot. Take who you think will make the team better

I would start by trying to address real needs at least. When you use draft picks for a TE that's made of glass and a QB you hope can be the next Taysom Hill, that's a problem.