5 wide receivers the Vikings should target in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Luke Parrish
Jordan Addison (USC)
Prior to heading to the west coast, Jordan Addison put up remarkable numbers at Pitt with Kenny Pickett throwing his way. Now, with Lincoln Riley dialing things up, Addison is shining on one of the nation’s top programs and has been mocked in the first round of the 2023 draft from the very beginning.
Addison is averaging over 15 yards per reception for the second year in a row and has been a touchdown machine in college. In 31 career games, the junior wideout has 28 touchdowns through the air and one on the ground.
The only thing that is truly keeping Addison out of the top half of the first down right now is his lack of size. He is listed at 6-foot-0 and 175 pounds and does not really play bigger than that. Perhaps the Devonta Smith selection in 2021 will change how the NFL views smaller receivers, but for now, Addison has to prove himself a bit more than others.
He is another weapon that can line up all over the offense and just eat space. His footwork before and after the catch will do him wonders as he continues to grow as a playmaker. Jefferson and Addison would play off of each other so well as field stretchers and middle-of-the-field targets for Kirk Cousins.
In terms of first-round targets, Jaxon Smith-Njigba would be my preferred player, but Jordan Addison is a wonderful option later in the round.