Patriots Hosting USC WR Jordan Addison for Top 30 Visit
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FOXBORO – The New England Patriots are apparently leaving no stone unturned when it comes to upgrading their offense in 2023.
Though the team has already added wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster and tight end Mike Gesicki via free agency, the Pats would benefit from the services of a game-breaking Draft prospect to make life a bit easier for expected starting quarterback Mac Jones.
With multiple reports indicating that the Pats are in the market for a wide receiver; perhaps as early as the first round, New England is about to host one of the top wideouts in the 2023 NFL Draft class for a Top-30 visit.
During a recent appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, USC star wideout Jordan Addison revealed that he will be meeting with the Pats this week. He had previously met with the Pats coaching contingent, sans head coach Bill Belichick, at last month’s NFL Scouting Combine.
This time, Belichick will be in attendance.
“I’m going to go out to New England next week, that’s where I’m going to start,” Addison said. “That’s where I’m starting.”
While Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba and TCU's Quentin Johnston have been popular Patriots mock draft selections, they might be smart to give strong consideration to Addison if they are intent on upgrading their receiving corps.
Addison began his collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he compiled 160 catches for 2,259 yards and 21 touchdowns in only two seasons as a Panther. After transferring to USC for the 2022 season, Addison logged 59 receptions, 875 yards and eight touchdowns.
On the field, the former Trojan is an outstanding route runner with above-average ball skills. His ability to create separation from his defender makes him a continuous threat to break for a big play. As a result, he has the potential to be an impact player as a rookie.
Despite entering this season’s Draft cycle either at or near the top of the receiver rankings, Addison's stock suffered a bit of a decline in the aftermath of his Combine performance. Although he ran an average 4.49 40-yard dash, his Relative Athletic Score registered only 5.8 out of a possible 10.
As a result, Addison now has a greater chance of being available when Pats are scheduled to select at No. 14. Though the 21-year-old clearly possesses first-round talent, his difficulties in creating yards-after-the-catch would require some work to properly assimilate into offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien’s schemes.
Still, selecting Addison would be a major step for a team which has lacked a dynamic playmaker at the receiver position for quite some time.
In addition to Addison, the Patriots also expect to conduct top-30 meetings with cornerback Emmanuel Forbes and wide receiver Jonathan Mingo.
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