Grading the Minnesota Vikings 2021 rookie class after year one
By Nik Edlund
Janarius Robinson – DE
Grade: F
There isn’t a whole lot to say about Janarius Robinson. He was injured in the preseason and spent the year on injured reserve.
His future with the team is murky.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette – WR
Grade: C+
Ihmir Smith-Marsette was buried on the Vikings wide receiver depth chart but was still able to make a bit of an impact as a rookie. The former Iowa Hawkeye started out primarily as the kick returner but lost that job by Week 4.
He did get some action at wide receiver, finishing with five receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Smith-Marsette ran smooth routes and showed very good speed which he showcased in the final game against the Bears.
He will most likely be the team’s fourth option at receiver again in 2022 unless Adam Thielen is traded or released. This could allow him to work out of the slot where he could do a ton of damage with his skill set.
The Vikings were never expecting to get much out of Smith-Marsette in year one, but the talented player was able to produce a little. Year two should see more opportunities for him, and like Bynum, he’s one to be stoked about as we wait for the 2022 season to commence.