Vikings Select USC WR Jordan Addison With No. 23 Overall Pick in 2023 NFL Draft
The Vikings have selected USC wide receiver Jordan Addison with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The board fell nicely for Minnesota, with a bunch of talented players on the board at 23 due to some surprising picks in the teens. They could've taken Kentucky QB Will Levis, a cornerback like Joey Porter Jr. or Deonte Banks, or a defensive lineman like Nolan Smith or Myles Murphy. They also could've traded down for a second consecutive year.
Instead, they stayed put and went with Addison, the fourth consecutive receiver selected after Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Quentin Johnston, and Zay Flowers came off the board.
Addison is arguably the most refined route-runner in this draft class. The 21-year-old gives the Vikings a legitimate No. 2 with star potential opposite Justin Jefferson, replacing Adam Thielen in that role. He blew up as a sophomore at Pittsburgh in 2021, catching 100 passes for 1,593 yards with 18 total touchdowns in 14 games. Addison was a first team All-American and was named college football's top wide receiver that season. He then transferred to USC and didn't put up quite the same numbers, but he still posted a 59/875/8 line in 11 games while dealing with an ankle injury late in the year. That included four 100-yard outings, highlighted by a 7/172/2 game against Stanford and an 11/178/1 performance against UCLA.
Addison is an all-around receiver who will bring a field-stretching element to the Vikings' offense. He has legit deep speed and change-of-direction ability, which makes him a dangerous route runner at all three levels. He also has plenty of ball skills, although he had occasional drop issues at Pitt. In college, he was able to create consistent separation and do damage after the catch as well.
In a Vikings offense with Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson, Addison should see plenty of single coverage, something he's equipped to feast against.
Much more to come on this pick.
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