4 Vikings rookies with unrealistic expectations in 2021
By Dean Jones
Janarius Robinson – DE/OLB
The Vikings focused on boosting their pass-rushing options in the mid-to-late rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft. Janarius Robinson comes to the organization with a significant amount of upside after a standout college career at Florida State, so it will be interesting to see how he fares in the NFL.
Robinson has the physicality and explosiveness that saw him draw comparisons to Brian Burns, another former Seminole who was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2019 and looks to be a star in the making.
Minnesota shouldn’t expect Burns 2.0 initially where Robinson is concerned. But that should not detract from what a solid piece of the rotation he might become with a little more refinement.
Whether Robinson is best suited as a defensive end or standing up rushing as an outside linebacker is up for debate and something the Vikings need to determine this offseason. Keeping expectations low for him will be vital during his early development, so anyone expecting him to burst onto the scene in a similar fashion to Burns in Carolina should think twice.
Robinson’s athleticism and aggressiveness are sure to be notable features throughout the offseason period and perhaps even in preseason games. However, considering the work he needs to do on pass-rushing moves and assisting against the run, consider him a development project until further notice.