Vikings Select WR Jordan Addison with the No. 23 Overall Pick in the 2023 NFL Draft

Josh Frey |

Apr 27, 2023

Vikings Select WR Jordan Addison — Oct 1, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) runs away from Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back D.J. Taylor (3) for a first down in the first half at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

After trading down from the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings opted to stick-and-pick in 2023 with so many prospects available on the board. With that pick, the Vikings selected WR Jordan Addison.

Oct 15, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) catches a pass against the Utah Utes in the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports

Addison, a product of USC, played three years of college football, actually beginning his career at the University of Pittsburgh. He played two seasons in that program, accruing a total of 160 receptions, 2259 yards, and 21 TDs. In 2021, he finished fourth in the entire NCAA with 1579 receiving yards.

Then, after that ridiculous 2021 season, he transferred to USC, joining Lincoln Riley’s squad and playing alongside Caleb Williams, a presumed top QB prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft class. During that 2022 season, Addison caught 59 passes for 875 yards and 8 TDs.

There were a number of options on the board for the Vikings with this 23rd overall pick, including QB Will Levis, but in Addison, they get a guy that is one of the cleanest route runners in this entire class who can play either on the boundary or in the slot.

The Vikings Will Meet with a Top WR Draft Prospect — Nov 19, 2022; Pasadena, California, USA; Southern California Trojans wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) celebrates his touchdown scored againt the UCLA Bruins during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

As a receiver, he is a willing blocker despite having a slighter frame, and despite struggling with drops early on in his career, his hands have turned into some of the most reliable in all of football. He had just two drops in 2022 on 79 targets.

Additionally, don’t sleep on his skillset with the special teams. Addison proved to be a very reliable punt returner over the course of his collegiate career, an area where the Vikings have been lacking over the past few years. He returned 12 punts for 185 yards during his final season at Pittsburgh in 2021 on top of everything he did offensively.

Sep 10, 2022; Stanford, California, USA; USC Trojans offensive lineman Bobby Haskins (70) points at wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

In all, this move should be viewed in a positive light for the Vikings because it adds another playmaker to Minnesota’s offense for the long term. All three of T.J. Hockenson, Justin Jefferson, and K.J. Osborn will be looking for new contracts very soon, and in all reality, there is a small likelihood of retaining all three. Instead, the Vikings lock up a new young receiver for the next 4-5 years.

Also Read:
2023 NFL Draft Live Tracker: Round 1

Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.