Despite a flurry of trade rumors leading up to draft weekend, the Minnesota Vikings surprised many people by staying at 23. Fans and analysts watched the podium with bated breath as Kentucky quarterback Will Levis’ stunning fall from grace had left him available to the Vikings late in the first round.
However, the Vikings selected Jordan Addison, the 2021 Biletnikoff winner at Pittsburgh and USC’s leading receiver in 2022. Addison should immediately slot in at WR2, replacing Adam Thielen’s production and providing higher upside. He should also command more attention that will free up Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson.
With all of the rumors about the Vikings looking to select Kirk Cousins’ heir in the draft and with Levis available, why did Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O’Connell select Addison?
PFF and Sumer Sports’ data studies support Minnesota’s selection. Wide receiver is the position with the third-highest overall APY surplus value in the first round- behind quarterback and interior defensive linemen.
The surplus value of the position also peaks around the 10th to 20th selection, near where the Vikings drafted. Value found at later rounds would have also been supported, but the ability to add premium talent at a position of need in a draft in which the top-end talent was scarce is ideal.
The Vikings also did an excellent job acquiring a player who will make an instant impact with the little draft capital they have. They also added another talented player to the young offensive core for the quarterback of the future. As arguably the most refined receiver in the class, Addison is a smooth route-runner with sure hands and run-after-the-catch (RAC) ability.
Addison spent the first two years of his collegiate career at Pitt, amassing 662 yards on 62 receptions in his first season. In his second year, he caught fire. He won the Biletnikoff Award as the best receiver in the nation, compiling 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns on 100 receptions (144 targets). He also helped prop up quarterback Kenny Pickett before the 2022 NFL Draft.
After the 2022 season, significant coaching turnover and the loss of his starting quarterback moved him to transfer to USC, where he continued his premium play despite missing time, snagging 59 passes for 875 yards and eight touchdowns.
Addison attacks his routes violently, quickly getting out of breaks without wasting steps. He’s shifty and makes opposing players miss by utilizing head fakes and his scary change-of-direction skills.
What does Addison do best? He gets open. Addison maneuvers defenders off his route with ease. He’s willing to adjust his trajectories, but he still will be where the quarterback expects him to be. Addison also shakes defenders by waiting to reveal his route until the last possible moment, leaving defenders flat-footed, attempting to catch up.
Addison does an excellent job shaking defenders on deep routes and is a threat after the catch underneath. The attention that his presence will command will force defenses to abandon the bracket placed upon Justin Jefferson, giving Jefferson more space on the field.
Addison’s usage at USC differed greatly from his time at Pittsburgh, but he has shown the ability to hold up at both the outside and slot positions in the offense. His success found on routes was elite, barring substandard grading on out routes and go routes.
One concern commonly raised about Addison was his RAS score. RAS (Relative Athletic Score) is a good tool to compare athletes, but it is not the determinative factor in any evaluation. Addison had a back injury that inhibited his testing at the combine, and his Pro Day was in monsoon conditions.
Addison proved to be plenty explosive on film, and there is no doubt he holds up to the NFL standard at the position. He will provide an immediate impact and will help continue the revitalization and youth movement that the Vikings are incurring.
That also puts the Vikings in prime position to potentially have a young wide receiver with incredible salary-rated performance. The addition of a premier wide receiver will continue to open up the modernized offense. And with Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson drawing coverage, the young receiver will flourish in the NFL.
