Wide Recievers

Jordan Addison (Vikings) NFL Draft Preview

By Patrick Whelan

Posted on April 3, 2023

Post-Draft Fantasy Impact

Draft Team: Minnesota Vikings, Round 1, 23rd pick

A pretty clear consensus top tier of wide receivers had been formed in the days leading up to the draft, and those top four ended up all going in quick succession from the 20th pick to the 23rd pick. The Vikings capped that wide receiver run by drafting Jordan Addison. I have a feeling they were pretty happy that he was the one that “fell” to them at the 23 spot.

An outspoken wide receiver, as many are, Addison was immediately ready to go to work for the Vikings. After the draft, the Minnesota media asked him what his plan was to succeed in the NFL. His response?
“Make plays, catch the ball, score touchdowns.” Easy enough.

As far as fantasy impact, Addison slots in well with what is a very pass-happy offense in Minnesota. The Vikings were fourth in neutral passing script and second in red zone passing. Considering their defense could be even worse this year, there are going to be plenty of targets to go around as the Vikings will probably be playing more catch-up in 2023 than their improbable 2022 run.

When looking at the target distribution, there are plenty up for grabs, 107 to be exact, with the departure of Adam Thielen from Minnesota. While KJ Osborn and TJ Hockenson will remain heavily involved, it’s assumed that Addison will gather the lion’s share of those air yards and operate as co-number two WR in this offense with Osborn. With Justin Jefferson demanding double teams on almost every single play, Addison’s elite route running should make him a candidate to have one of the biggest rookie seasons of any player in his class. Long term I still like him as my number two overall WR, but don’t be surprised if he’s the most productive WR in year one. Addison is a no-brainer dynasty first-round pick, and in my opinion, should be the fourth non-qb player drafted.

Jordan Addison NFL Draft Preview

Production personified, Jordan Addison has been stuffing the receiving stat sheet his entire college career. His excellent freshman season of 60 catches and over 600 yards was only intro to his Biletnikoff-winning season of 2021 where he put up a monster 100 catch, 1593-yard, 17 touchdown master class where he was nearly unguardable. While his production was down his junior year, he was a bit banged up and performed at a similar clip when healthy. While Addison can struggle against big corners, his elite production points to his ability to win all over the field, he’s a plus prospect.

Measurables
• 5’11” 173 lbs
• 40-yard dash – 4.49s
• Vertical Jump – 34″
• Broad Jump – 10’2″

Stats at Pitt (2 years) and USC

2022: 59 catches, 875 yards, 4 TD
2021: 100 catches, 1593 yards, 17 TDs
2020: 60 catches, 666 yards, 4 TDs

Positives

Terrific athletic ability and speed that allows him to win both inside and outside. Superb acceleration allows for separation regardless of route. Best footwork in the class, supremely quick in and out of breaks. Very good after the catch creating extra yards, puts that to work in punt returns as well. Great understanding of the nuances of position, uses all his tools to win against coverage.

Negatives

Contested catch and deep ball tracking are a bit inconsistent. Was notably less effective against sticky corners. Smaller catch radius with only average hands. May not have true WR1 upside given some iffy performances against top corners.

Jordan Addison is the best receiver in the draft. pic.twitter.com/t1VS2iJsED

— 𝙍𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙮 (@HoodieRamey) February 27, 2023

Grade: A (94)

There are some questions about how Addison will deal with NFL corners week in week out, the numbers don’t lie, Addison gets yards. His quickness and route running will win out and allow him to be a productive NFL wide receiver. He may not have as high a ceiling, but I think his floor makes him the safest WR in the draft outside of Jaxon Smith-Njigba.