5 Vikings role players who can thrive under the new regime in 2022

Janarius Robinson – DE/OLB

Much like the situation with Wyatt Davis, things didn’t go to Janarius Robinson’s script over his first season with the Vikings. The explosive edge rusher was seen as a development project upon joining the team, but failing to register any involvement whatsoever was a damning indictment of what the previous coaching staff thought of his progress.

Robinson has the physical tools to become an asset on the rotation, providing progress goes better this summer. Minnesota’s transition to a 3-4 base under Ed Donatell is also something the Florida State product has working in his favor.

Although the Vikings have Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith as their 3-4 outside linebacker tandem, this is a role Robinson could fill easily if the duo succumbs to injuries once again. His length and overall build indicate a potential role under the new coaching staff, but everything has to go well in training camp for this goal to be realized.

With eight sacks and 20.5 tackles for loss during his stint in college, the potential is there where Robinson is concerned. Last season was undoubtedly a rude awakening with such a steep step-up in class, so it’ll be interesting to witness what adjustments the player makes in the coming weeks.

Opportunity knocks for Robinson, who should get a clean slate from Donatell and other influential figures in Minnesota moving forward.