NFLPA Names Young Vikings Receiver as a “Rising Star” Ahead of the 2023 Season
Josh Frey
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The Minnesota Vikings did a lot of work over the course of this offseason to ensure that they put young players in positions to make an impact on the field during 2023. A series of such moves from the team included releasing longtime starting WR Adam Thielen while seemingly replacing him with first-round selection Jordan Addison out of USC.
Seeing as the Vikings also employ Justin Jefferson and were one of the best passing offenses in the league during the 2022 season, this should be a great spot for the young Vikings receiver to succeed as early as his rookie year.
The NFLPA seems to have recognized this fact as well, naming Addison one of their rookie “Rising Stars” ahead of the upcoming NFL season. Here is a write up from the players association that describes how they come to such conclusions about rookies:
“The rankings consider various factors that contribute to early sales popularity. These factors include on-field performance, early demand for content and marketing from NFLPA partners, fantasy league status, collegiate name, image and likeness deals, the players’ existing reach to a massive audience of fans, participation in Rookie Premiere, product submissions from over 90 NFLPA licensees, support from team fan bases, and emerging talent in strong markets.”
Addison found great success throughout his collegiate career, particularly playing out of the slot. In 2021, he was one of six receivers in all of FBS to record at least 100 receptions while also totaling 1593 receiving yards (fourth-most) and 17 TDs to lead the nation.
2022 didn’t see quite as prolific production from Addison in his sole year at USC, at least in part because he transitioned towards being more of a boundary receiver rather than a slot player. Even still, 59 receptions for 875 yards and 8 TDs is nothing to hang your head at.
Joining Addison on the “Rising Stars” list from the 2023 rookie class are QB Anthony Richardson, RB Bijan Robinson, QB Bryce Young, QB C.J. Stroud, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, EDGE Will Anderson, WR Zay Flowers, WR Jalin Hyatt, and CB Joey Porter.
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.