After allowing the fifth-most points per game in 2022, many expected the Minnesota Vikings to prioritize fixing their defense in the NFL Draft. Yet, after releasing Adam Thielen as the team looked to cut costs, finding another receiving threat took precedence instead, with Jordan Addison becoming the 23rd overall pick in the first round.
In some circles, the pick was a surprise. But others can see the potential in the Vikings’ newest weapon as he joins an offense featuring Pro Bowl targets Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson.
Even the rookie himself is already making bold predictions when it comes to his skills translating to the next level, and it didn’t take long for him to realize who his new teammates in Minnesota are.
On Thursday, shortly after Addison was selected, he was briefly interviewed by NFL Network’s Melissa Stark, where the newest Viking said there was “no doubt” he and Jefferson would be the best receiving duo in the league. As far as what Vikings fans can expect from the former USC receiver? Addison says, “A lot of plays and a lot of touchdowns.”
OK. We’ve heard plenty of bold claims from rookies entering the NFL in the past. This isn’t quite the boldest, but Addison’s suggestion is out there. Surely he’s aware of the Miami duo, with both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who finished second and seventh in the NFL in receiving yards in 2022, right? Or even in Philadelphia, where A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith ranked fourth and ninth in yardage.
Yet, maybe Addison is just putting the burden on Jefferson’s shoulders, knowing the NFL’s leading receiver will carry most of the weight after finishing with 1,809 receiving yards in 17 games.
It’s clear Addison isn’t afraid to heighten expectations, and being that he’s joining the NFL’s best receiver in Minnesota, chances are the fanbase is already setting a high bar for the first-year pro to clear.
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For comparison’s sake, Jefferson was being asked to replace Stefon Diggs in Minnesota’s offense back in 2020. Jefferson recorded an incredible stat line of 88 receptions, 1,400 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns as a rookie. This dwarfed Diggs’ production from the previous season when he hauled in 63 receptions for 1,100 yards and six touchdowns.
But now Addison is being asked to replace Thielen’s production, which is a bit of a different scenario. Especially with Jefferson and Hockenson drawing away most of the attention. Thielen last recorded a 70-catch, 716-yard, six-touchdown season with the Vikings in 2022. If Addison can come anywhere close to these numbers as a rookie, the pick will already be a win in the short term.
He may never be Jefferson, but with No. 18 already on board, No. 3 can just focus on being the best pro he can be.
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