Last season, rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison had one of the better seasons for a rookie receiver in recent memory, at least on paper. While playing second-fiddle to star wideout Justin Jefferson for a large portion of the year, Addison still managed 70 receptions, just over 900 yards, and was fourth in the league with ten touchdown receptions.
On paper, those stats are great for a rookie. But if you dig a little deeper into the analytics, Addison’s performance becomes a bit less impressive—at least according to ESPN sports analytics writer Seth Walder. In Walder’s piece for ESPN, which looked at each team’s roster, he identified Addison as the biggest X-factor for the team going into 2024.
He was solid as a rookie, with 1.6 yards per route run and a 54 overall score in the receiver tracking metrics. But in order to truly form a dangerous one-two combination with Justin Jefferson and support rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, the Vikings need more out of Addison in Year 2.
With the uncertainty around the Vikings’ situation at the position beyond Addison, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding T.J. Hockenson and his health, it’s likely that Addison will see an increased role in the offense in 2024. Opposing defense are likely to key in on Jefferson, attempting to take him out of the gameplan, meaning whomever is at the helm for Minnesota will need Addison to take that next step in 2024.