Rookie Jordan Addison Named as Vikings' Offensive X-Factor

When Vikings training camp rolls around later this month, all eyes are going to be on Jordan Addison, the team's shiny new first-round draft pick at wide receiver.

The hype around the rookie from USC was stalled a bit when he missed all of OTAs and mandatory minicamp with an undisclosed injury, but it should rev up again as soon as he starts making plays in camp. Head coach Kevin O'Connell said the Vikings were just being cautious with Addison and that they expect him to be full go when camp begins.

The Vikings drafted Addison because of his abilities as a separator and playmaker. They believe he can play inside and outside and should thrive against the single coverage he'll see due to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson's presence. Addison has big shoes to fill — he was essentially brought in to replace aging franchise legend Adam Thielen — but the 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner at Pitt seems to have the skills and drive to fill those shoes.

How quickly Addison can adjust to the NFL and become a force in the Vikings' offense could go a long way towards determining the overall success of O'Connell's attack. If he emerges as another significant weapon for Kirk Cousins, this group will be tough to stop. That's why CBS Sports' Jared Dubin chose Addison as Minnesota's offensive X-factor for the 2023 season.

You can easily make an argument for Alexander Mattison here given that he will be stepping into the shoes previously filled for quite a while by Dalvin Cook. But NFL offenses tend to go as far as their passing game can take them, and Addison is the player in the best position to help take that facet of Minnesota's offense to the next level. He doesn't have great size or elite speed, but Addison is a master technician able to generate separation from nearly any defensive back with ease. How well he works as a complement to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson will likely determine the ceiling of this offense.

It's hard to argue with that choice.

To be clear, Addison won't just be handed an every-down role. Don't overlook fourth-year veteran K.J. Osborn, who is coming off consecutive 650-yard seasons in the No. 3 role behind Jefferson and Thielen. Osborn is going to be a major factor in this offense and will likely enter the season as the No. 2, unless Addison forces the coaching staff's hand with a dominant camp.

Regardless of what Addison's role looks like Week 1, he has the talent to raise the ceiling of the Vikings' offense if his game quickly translates to the next level.

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