Vikings' Pick of Jordan Addison Gets Positive Reviews

The USC Trojans sent a first-round pick to the NFL for the fourth year in a row when the Minnesota Vikings took wide receiver Jordan Addison with the No. 23 pick of the first round on Thursday night. It also marks the second-straight year that a USC wide receiver went in the first round after the Atlanta Falcons took Drake London No. 8 overall in 2022.

Addison was the fourth wide receiver taken in the draft and all four went consecutively. There was little consensus about the top wide receiver heading into the first round. But praise for the Vikings selecting Addison has been pretty unanimous nationally.

Addison a Day 1 Starter

Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah seemed certain they know what they are getting in Addison. O’Connell referred to him as a “Day 1 starter” in this behind-the-scenes look at the Vikings’ war room.

“You and Justin Jefferson breaking the huddle at the same time is a problem,” O’Connell said to Addison after informing him they were going to pick him.” This is huge for us. I’m so proud of you, man. You deserve it.”

Got us a Day 1 starter.

📞: @Espn_Jordan pic.twitter.com/RTRLnMUvKz

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) April 28, 2023

That’s Vikings wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell applauding the selection at the end of the video.

“Swag in the room,” he said. “I like it.”

Grading Addison to the Vikings

Here’s a look at the national perception regarding this selection.

ESPN’s Vikings beat writer Kevin Seifert:

Why they picked him: The departure of longtime starter Adam Thielen created an obvious hole. Veteran K.J. Osborn has been expected to slide into Thielen’s role, but the Vikings were predominantly a three-receiver offense under coach Kevin O’Connell last season. Justin Jefferson, Osborn, Addison and possibly 2022 draft pick Jalen Nailor would be expected to fill those spots in 2023.

Biggest question: While you can never have too many offensive playmakers, the Vikings’ decision to sit and wait for Addison means they likely won’t have a quarterback to groom as a successor to Kirk Cousins, whose contract expires after the 2023 season. They could have drafted either Will Levis or Hendon Hooker at No. 23, but they clearly did not consider either player to be worthy. They don’t have a second-round pick, either. — Kevin Seifert

Robert Zeglinski of USA Today:

Grade: B+

Getting Addison in the late first round is a wonderful value for the Vikings. Formerly as USC’s most productive receiver, the go-to man for Caleb Williams, Addison largely had his way with most of the Pacific Coast teams. He’s only available here because of a disappointing 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine and a slight redemption at a dreary, wet USC Pro Day.

Now, Addison gets to be the speedster complement to Justin Jefferson, pro football’s top boundary weapon. I wouldn’t be sleeping well tonight if I was a cornerback in the NFC North.

Pro Football Focus:

Pick Grade: Good

The Vikings stick at Pick 23 and come away with a talented wide receiver to pair with Justin Jefferson. Addison won the Biletnikoff Award with Pittsburgh in 2021 before transferring to USC, and he finished the past two seasons with 25 touchdowns from 159 receptions.

Pete Prisco of CBS:

Grade: A

He is my favorite receiver in this class. He will be a perfect complement to Justin Jefferson, He is a great route runner. Needs to get a little bigger since he weighs 175 pounds, but that will happen. 

Chad Reuter of NFL.com:

Grade A

Draft pick

• USC WR Jordan Addison (No. 23 overall)

Analysis: Addison was too strong a value for the Vikings to pass up. He would have been picked earlier if not for his slight build, average top-end speed for his size and occasional drops. Addison is such a tough player, though. He will be a great complement for Justin Jefferson working from the slot.