Jordan Addison was the Minnesota Vikings’ 23rd pick in the 2023 NFL draft. He had one of the best NFL rookie seasons last year, per Pro Football Reference, he racked up 911 yards on 70 receptions and 11 touchdowns.
According to ESPN sports analytics writer Seth Walder, Jordan Addison will be the biggest X-factor for the Minnesota Vikings going into the 2024-25 season.
He was solid as a rookie, with 1.6 yards per route run and a 54 overall score in the receiver tracking metrics. 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.
The problem with Addison: Off-field behavior. He was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of DUI. It’s the second time he has had an incident behind the wheel. Addison is not showing the professionalism off the field the Vikings expect. On the field, Addison continues to show promise, but it won’t matter if he keeps getting in trouble.
According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Addison feels like he’s worked on his game and taken it “to the next level” this summer in minicamps. According to head coach Kevin O’Connell, some of that “next level” comes from Addison getting physically stronger:
“Jordan Addison had as good of an offseason program as really you can ask for,” “[He is] a guy that had a ton of success in Year 1. And really, from a standpoint of getting a little stronger, getting a little bit more comfortable playing through contact and still playing with that great burst and transition that he has, you saw some real growth there [this spring].”
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has already singled out the talented young wide receiver for praise. He deemed the start of Addison’s offseason program to be as good as anyone could “ask for.” That’s bad news for opposing defensive backs who want to shut down Minnesota’s aerial attack this season.
The Vikings having two Pro Bowl wideouts in Addison and Justin Jefferson. Pair that with T.J Hockenson at tight end, that could be enough to help Minnesota compete for a postseason berth with Sam Darnold or JJ McCarthy at quarterback.
Again, however: Addison needs to straighten up and fly right. It’s time for more discipline and maturity.
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