Vikings Replace Janarius Robinson with Chris Garrett
K. Joudry
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Earlier in the week, we learned that the Eagles signed Janarius Robinson. Folks, it’s likely not a coincidence that during the week when Minnesota plays Philadelphia, the Eagles sign a Vikings practice squad player. Regardless, the Vikings have made their own move. They’ve decided to sign OLB Chris Garrett to their practice squad.
A piece on the team’s website offers a bit more background:
A Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native, Garrett was a seventh-round pick (252nd overall) in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Los Rams, where he spent the 2021 season when Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell, Offensive Coordinator Wes Phillips and quarterbacks Coach Chris O’Hara were on staff.
The article goes on to note that Garrett played in a game last season.
Unless there are some injuries, it’s unlikely Chris Garrett will get much opportunity on the field. Danielle Hunter and Za’Darius Smith are Minnesota’s edge rusher pair. In Week 1, they did an excellent job of creating pressure on Aaron Rodgers. Only an injury or suspension will keep those two from being Minnesota’s starters.
After them are D.J. Wonnum, Patrick Jones II, and Luiji Vilain. Given that all are backups, it feels less likely that their roles are as entrenched as Hunter’s and Smith’s. Regardless, all three have clearly impressed the coaching staff. Wonnum had a critical sack on Rodgers to force a punt in an important moment of the most recent game.
With all that being said, it’d be unwise to simply assume that Garrett won’t have a role in 2022. Being a 7th-round selection and a late addition to the team means it’s an uphill battle for playing time. However, it doesn’t mean that playing time is impossible.
Chris Garrett will need to show that he can be an excellent special teams contributor and solid option as a defensive depth player. If he does so, he could have an opportunity if/when a spot opens up.
The same piece on Vikings.com offers a bit more insight about his college production: “He finished his collegiate career at Concordia-St. Paul with 166 total tackles (91 solo), 36.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, the NCAA Division II record, nine passes defensed and four fumble recoveries.”
He’s 6’4″, 245 pounds. He is only 24-years-old.
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