Vikings Playmaker Snubbed

Nov 17, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates with wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) after his touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

If you believe Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is a Top 32 commodity at his position in the NFL, Pro Football Focus disagrees.

PFF dropped a list of the NFL’s Top 32 wide receivers, and Vikings wideout Jordan Addison was nowhere to be found.

That football-grading outfit named the league’s 32 best wideouts this week, and Addison was missing in action.

Addison may not be a Top 10 guy yet, but excluding him from the Top 32 is a bit of a snub.

PFF Says Nope to Jordan Addison as a Top 32 WR Entering 2025

PFF’s Trevor Sikkema unveiled the annual list on Tuesday, and Addison’s name fell by the wayside. No inclusion.

from Vikings Rookie
Jordan Addison on first day as a Viking after the team selected him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Vikings chose Addison 23rd on April 27th, 2023, and he’ll immediately vie for a WR2 job next to Justin Jefferson.

Sikkema described his criteria: “After rolling out our quarterback rankings, top three players on every team, top 25 under 25 and each team’s top players under 25, wide receivers are the focus in the latest installment of PFF’s 2025 NFL preview series. Wide receiver remains one of the most dynamic and scheme-shaping roles in the modern game.”

“From versatile slot threats to dominant outside weapons, the league’s best receivers bring unique skill sets that demand defensive attention and elevate quarterback play. Using a combination of advanced data, film evaluation and scheme analysis, this list highlights the top 32 wide receivers entering the 2025 NFL season.”

One might’ve expected Addison to check in somewhere from 20 to 25, but no cigar.

Sikkema ranked Justin Jefferson, Addison’s teammate, at No. 2 and opined, “Jefferson has been in the conversation for the league’s best receiver since his rookie season. Over the past three years, the Vikings star ranks second among all wideouts in cumulative WAR (1.66) and also holds the second-best per-season WAR average (0.55).”

So, at least one Vikings wideout earned some respect.

Bizarre A.J. Brown Love at No. 1

If Jefferson were not destined to rank atop the PFF list, most would assume Cincinnati Bengals pass-catcher Ja’Marr Chase would take home the honor.

Nope.

Sikkema mind-bogglingly called Philadelphia Eagles veteran A.J. Brown the best in the world and explained, “Brown dominates defensive backs across the board, but his success against single coverage is especially notable. He earned the highest receiving grade versus single coverage in 2024 (96.6) and leads the league in that category over the past three seasons (2022–24) with a 97.0 grade. He can win in every way, against any defense.”

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (L) stands on the stage during the championship trophy presentation after the Eagles’ game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images.

Chase ranked third.

It’s quite the bold take for Brown to outpace Jefferson and Chase, but it’s also bold to leave Addison out altogether.

Why Addison Belongs in the Top 32

Addison, indeed, is still developing as a wide receiver in the big leagues. But his touchdown prowess sets him apart from competitors.

Jordan Addison,
NFL Rankings,
Since 2023:

Touchdowns: 4th
Receiving Yards: 26th
Receptions: 28th
Targets: 29th

Addison ranks in the Top 32 as a wideout all over the board.

If Addison ranked 20th or below in touchdowns, he may not deserve Top 25 PFF love. Yet, that’s not the case. No Top 32 attention is absurd. Only Ja’Marr Chase, Mike Evans, and Amon-Ra St. Brown have scored more in the last two seasons than Addison.

3 Positives from
Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) is unable to make the catch on a long pass in the first half while being defended by Chicago Bears defensive back Tyrique Stevenson (29) at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports.

Based on touchdowns alone, accompanied by the impressive receiving yards and reception totals, Addison is worthy of Top 32 WR consideration.

Who Got the Nod over Addison?

PFF’s list is not wholly faulty. In fact, other than the Addison snub at Brown at No. 1, the power ranking is respectable.

Still, Josh Downs of the Indianapolis Colts made the cut, and Sikkema defended the choice: “Downs’ 85.1 receiving grade in 2024 marked a promising step forward from his rookie season. He recorded 403 yards after the catch and earned a 94.2 grade against zone coverage, but his 73.1 grade versus single coverage indicates there’s still room for development.”

Rashee Rice has played just 20 games in two seasons. He showed up at No. 28: “Rice missed a significant portion of the 2025 season due to injury, but his performance over the past two years remains strong, with receiving grades of 86.1 and 85.5. He totaled 1,200 receiving yards in 2023, and that level of production is well within reach again if he stays healthy in 2025.”

At worst, Addison should’ve gotten the nod over Josh Downs (No. 29) or Jameson Williams (No. 32)

Bulletin Board Material

Of course, it’s not an egregious, season-ruining situation that PFF snubbed Addison. It’s just that he deserves placement in the Top 32, if only due to the touchdowns.

Aug 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) during warmups prior to the game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports.

If Addison sees this list, he can use it as fuel, motivating him even more for 2025 to pull down Top 32 kudos from outfits like PFF.

The Vikings embark on a brave new era in 15 weeks with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback, and Addison will be featured heavily in the offseason.

The snubbed Viking is only 23 years old.