One Vikings Rookie Generating National Buzz
Dustin Baker
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The Minnesota Vikings were a popular candidate during the 2023 NFL Draft to possibly trade back from the No. 23 overall pick and stockpile capital. But then Minnesota’s name was called, and general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah conducted no trades, sending one name to the podium — wide receiver Jordan Addison.
Unsurprisingly, he’s the one generating buzz from a national viewpoint among Vikings rookies.
One Vikings Rookie Generating National Buzz
With a successful training camp and preseason, Addison should seize Minnesota’s WR2 job next to Justin Jefferson unless last year’s WR3, K.J. Osborn, has other plans.
Bleacher Report examined the major takeaways from last weekend’s rookie minicamps, and the Vikings + Addison made the cut. In fact, the heading read: Vikings’ WR Jordan Addison Ready to Perform Opposite Justin Jefferson.
Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report explained the Addison phenomenon in Minnesota, “Typically, the decision to move a proven veteran and then immediately sink a first-round pick into the same position isn’t good roster management. But the Minnesota Vikings may have effectively done so twice in recent years.”
“Originally, the organization traded Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills and used the 2020 first-round draft pick it received to select Justin Jefferson. This offseason, the Vikings released Adam Thielen and then immediately drafted Jordan Addison with the 23rd overall pick. Jefferson, who’s the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, turned out to be an upgrade,” Sobleski added.
Addison notched 3,134 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns in three seasons at Pittsburgh and USC. He’s got the resume for the WR2 job and would even become a WR1 on most teams not employing Jefferson.
Sobleski finished by pivoting to Addison’s skillset, “It’s far too early to say the same about Addison, but his quickness, route running and ability to create separation are already translating.”
BR also noted the Baltimore Ravens embrace of fellow rookie WR Zay Flowers and TE Sam LaPorta’s minicamp ascension with the Detroit Lions.
Upon arriving in Eagan after the draft, Addison saluted the team’s front office and coaching staff, promising to make the group proud of the draft pick. He said, “I’m so excited to be here. I’m ready to work. This is where I want to be at. I’m glad I’m here. Three receivers went before me. That’s all the fuel I needed. I’m ready to go.”
He also told reporters about his craft, “When I’m running my routes, I like to look at it like I’m an artist. And I’m going out there painting pictures.”
Vikings mandatory minicamp — for everybody — begins June 13th.
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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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