5 receivers that can replace Adam Thielen for the Vikings in 2023
By Chris Schad
Jordan Addison
With the rising cost and lack of talent in the free agent market, the NFL Draft might be the best place to look for Thielen’s replacement. Although there aren’t many impact talents in this year’s draft, one prospect worth considering is Jordan Addison.
Addison does a lot of the things that Thielen was great at in his prime. He is an excellent route runner and someone who can thrive in all three levels of the defense. His game was on full display in 2021 when he caught 100 passes for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns en route to winning the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top receiver.
Addison’s numbers took a hit after transferring from Pittsburgh to USC this past season, but a lot of that was Lincoln Riley’s reliance on the short passing game. Even with a sub-par performance at the NFL scouting combine, Addison has the tools to become a No. 2 receiver with a high floor, which is what the Vikings should be looking for in Thielen’s replacement.