New Viking Gets the “Breakout” Treatment. Again.
In June, the NFL Players Association labeled Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison a “rising star.”
A few days ago, CBS Sports called Addison a “best bet” for the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year honor.
New Viking Gets the “Breakout” Treatment. Again.
And according to SI.com, the USC alumnus is considered one of the NFL’s budding “breakout stars.”
SI.com’s Matt Vederame detailed 10 possible breakout candidates for the 2023 season, which begins Thursday night in Kansas City when the Chiefs host the Detroit Lions, and Addison lived at the top of the list. Vederame explained, “Is any rookie entering a better situation than Addison? Minnesota has the league’s best receiver in Jefferson playing across from him, and a defense that ensures the Vikings will be throwing plenty.”
The Vikings used the 23rd overall pick on Addison in April, a new partner for Justin Jefferson, the sport’s reigning Offensive Player of the Year.
“During my camp tour, Addison stood out as much as any first-year player. He caught every pass while running a variety of crisp routes, showing why the Vikings used their first-round pick out of USC. In short, Minnesota is thrilled with Addison’s talent and potential,” Vederame added.
The 21-year-old tabulated 3,134 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns in three seasons at Pittsburgh and USC and is considered a target-heavy playmaker. If needed, Addison can fill in as WR1, at least according to his draft scouting report.
Addison had a flummoxing start to his Vikings career in July, charged with reckless driving for traveling 140 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. He later apologized, pleaded the offence down to a misdemeanor, and seemed to put the poor decision-making in the rearview. Addison also said he was driving that fast due to a “dog emergency.”
At 5’11” and 170 pounds, Addison isn’t overly physical and certainly isn’t a big-bodied bruiser receiver. But the Vikings don’t need those traits in the 2023-and-beyond offense. Minnesota needs a workhorse WR who can relieve Jefferson on Sundays when opposing defensive coordinators tempt fate by selling out to stop the league’s best wideout.
The young Viking told reporters about his craft after the 2023 NFL Draft, “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.”
Addison can begin painting those pictures this Sunday when the Vikings host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Other breakout possibilities per Vederame? Brian Branch (S, DET), DJ Turner II (CB, CIN), and Evan Hull (RB, IND), among others.
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,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.
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