4 Vikings that can play themselves onto the roster in the 2022 preseason
By Luke Parrish
Janarius Robinson – OLB
Rushing the passer has been an area of concern for the Vikings of late but injuries can take the bulk of the blame. With Danielle Hunter back in purple, this time joined by Za’Darius Smith, the Vikings are ready to get after the quarterback and win games with their defense.
The idea is clear: build the pass rush around physical specimens and let their athleticism take charge. Janarius Robinson did not make much of an impact in his first NFL season but he is built to play the same role as Danielle Hunter as he adjusts to the NFL game.
After racking up 20.5 sacks at Florida State, Robinson was placed on the Injured Reserve and missed his entire rookie season. At 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds, Janarius Robinson is another long defender that can do some damage with speed and power.
The depth on the edge is still not great. If Hunter battles with injuries again in 2022, the Vikings have a pretty unappealing group behind him. Robinson may not be a shock to make the roster simply because of the competition surrounding him.
Despite the easier path to a roster spot, Robinson will be a surprise given how impactful he can be. As a rotational pass rusher that supplements Hunter and Smith, Robinson can really feast on tired offensive linemen.