First-Round Pick (23rd overall)
Original Selection: Jordan Addison - WR (USC)
Redraft Selection: Addison
The Vikings got it right with Jordan Addison at pick No. 23. It was clear that Minnesota head coach Kevin O'Connell wanted to add another dynamic weapon to the receiver room.
With Addison, they get just that and potentially more. On paper, he is the perfect compliment to star receiver Justin Jefferson. Addison is a smooth route-runner who can also take the top off any defense, which is something that the Vikings offense hasn't had since the likes of Aldrick Robinson in 2018.
The former USC and Pitt Panther product has an uncanny ability to create space on defenders. Creating space is something Minnesota receivers not named Jefferson struggled with mightily. Jefferson is going to see every team's best corner, which explains this selection for the Vikings.
O'Connell had both Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods during his time as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. Although it was Sean Mcvay's offense, O'Connell understands the importance of having multiple dynamic receivers in your offense. Jefferson and Addison will be his version of Kupp and Woods.
You could make the argument that corner should have been the pick here for Minnesota. The likes of Deonte Banks and Joey Porter Jr. were still on the board and both would have been understandable.
Addison has a chance to be really good, really quickly, and with a deep cornerback group in the 2023 draft pool, the Addison pick takes precedence.