Jordan Addison Has New Clothes
Leading up to April 27th, the Minnesota Vikings reportedly had men like Hendon Hooker, Joey Porter Jr., Deonte Banks, Bryan Bresee, and Brian Branch on their 1st-Round draft radar.
But when the time came to pick with the 23rd selection, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah stayed put with no trades, said no thanks to a defensive player, and chose USC’s Jordan Addison, a wide receiver with documented production at Pittsburgh and USC.
Jordan Addison Has New Clothes
The pick was universally praised by Vikings fans — even by the folks who wanted a defensive player — because how can you go wrong when Minnesota drafts a wide receiver (outside of Laquon Treadwell)?
Addison and the Vikings made the relationship official last week, inking a standard 1st-Round-rookie agreement for four years and $13.7 million with a 5th-year team option in 2027. The USC standout is now a Vikings for at least the next four seasons — and probably longer.
And now that the ink is dry, the club unveiled Addison in his new clothes. No, he won’t wear No. 1 portrayed in the photo above — that’s just a draft-night thing — but No. 3, as the team revealed on Twitter Monday. Here’s a look:
Addison takes over Cameron Dantzler’s number from 2022 after he joined the Washington Commanders in March following a Vikings waiver.
Last week, Mina Kimes opined about Addison’s role with the Vikings, “I think the offense is going to be good. The Addison pick…I was higher on him than some. I understand the questions about his size, but I really just think he has elite separation skills […] I think the Vikings and Kevin O’Connell, that offense is a really good landing place for Addison in terms of playing to his strengths, finding ways to hide his weaknesses.”
Addison can now focus on minicamp in 22 days, a chance to showcase his skillset in front of teammates and coaches — and incumbent WR K.J. Osborn, who will also vie for the WR2 job this summer. On paper, Minnesota owns one of the most exciting offenses in the business despite losing Adam Thielen to the Carolina Panthers in March and possibly Dalvin Cook in about two weeks.
Addison totaled 3,134 receiving yards at USC and Pittsburgh and 29 touchdowns in three seasons. The man has the numbers. He’s 5’11” and 170 pounds — not the largest NFLer — but does command targets and should duly receive those on Sundays in a Vikings pass-happy offense.
Other Vikings to wear No. 3 include Jeff George, Blair Walsh, Jan Stenerud, and Spergon Wynn.
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.
You must be logged in to post a comment.