Everything You Need to Know About New Vikings WR Jordan Addison
Josh Frey
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With the 23rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings made the decision to select WR Jordan Addison out of USC. This article is dedicated to giving you everything you need to know about the new Vikings wide receiver.
College Production
Firstly, we should note that he played three seasons of college football from 2020-2022. Two of these seasons were at the University of Pittsburgh (2020-2021) and then he transferred to USC ahead of the 2022 season to play under head coach Lincoln Riley.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a receiver that was more productive than Addison during those three years. In all, he caught 219 passes for 3134 yards and 29 TDs. His 2021 season in particular was ridiculous as he caught 100 passes (one of just six receivers to do so in the NCAA that year) for 1593 yards and 17 TDs.
For his efforts in that 2021 season, Addison became the third Pittsburgh receiver to win the Biletnikoff Award, the most prestigious award a wide receiver can win in college football. He joined Larry Fitzgerald and Antonio Bryant.
An Analysis of Addison
Jordan Addison spent the first two years of his collegiate career with Pittsburgh before transferring this past year to play for Lincoln Riley and with Caleb Williams at USC. He showcased his elite route running ability with the Trojans, and he solidified himself as one of the best wide receivers in the entire country.
The great thing about Addison is that he can get himself involved in a number of ways. He primarily played as a slot receiver, but he can be used as a ball carrier in unique run schemes and is an adept punt returner as well (averaged 15.4 yards per return in 2021 with Pitt).
However, there are a couple of difficulties when it comes to evaluating Jordan Addison. For one, he is a very slight receiver at 6’0″ and 175 pounds. For reference, DeVonta Smith, current Philadelphia Eagle and former member of the Alabama Crimson Tide, was 6’0 and 166 pounds when he entered the 2021 NFL Draft.
Not quite as small as Smith, but there will inevitably be question marks revolved around his ability to play on the outside. Addison’s small frame also calls into question his ability to handle press coverage. He didn’t have to play against those sorts of schemes very often in college, so could larger defenders get the better of him? Only time will tell, but this could be the downfall of Addison if there is one.
What Others Think of Addison
Now that we’ve put out our thoughts on Addison, what are some of the thoughts from other draft analysts around the league? Take a look at what Lance Zierlein of NFL Network had to say of the new Vikings WR:
Inside/outside wideout with the speed and agility to work confidently on all three levels of the field, but lacking the size and catch strength generally associated with high-impact performers on the next level. Addison’s route running features acceleration, dynamic steering and sudden turns at a moment’s notice. While he can get to the spot effectively, he has trouble consistently winning battles when he has coverage company beside him. While Addison failed to make the same impact he did in 2021, his usage at Pitt might be a better indicator of the type of role and production he could be capable of on the next level.
And here is what The Draft Network listed as reasons to buy into Addison as a prospect:
- Separation comes consistently and on all levels
- Crafty release package and work at the top of routes
- Proven weapon as a high-volume target
- Terrific spatial awareness and body control
So, Vikings fans, what do you think? After seeing some of the input from other analysts around the league and our own analysis, do you think Addison will find success in Minnesota? Let us know on either Facebook or Twitter.
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.