Where Does Vikings' Receiving Corps Rank With Thielen Out, Addison In?

By replacing veteran Adam Thielen with first-round pick Jordan Addison this offseason, the Vikings' current top five wide receivers are all on their rookie contracts. So is tight end T.J. Hockenson, who was a revelation after being acquired in a midseason trade last year.

It's a young group that's bursting with potential, though Addison obviously has yet to play an NFL snap. Where does the Vikings' entire group of pass catchers — including tight ends and running backs — rank within the league? Pro Football Focus has Minnesota at seventh, mostly due to the presence of Justin Jefferson.

Thank Justin Jefferson for the Vikings ranking in the top 10. Outside of Jefferson, Minnesota has T.J. Hockenson at tight end, a viable option for them. But then it's K.J. Osborn, Jalen Reagor and rookie Jordan Addison.

Still, Jefferson carries due to his three straight elite receiving grades. His 92.5 receiving grade over all three campaigns ranks third to only Davante Adams (94.2) and Cooper Kupp (92.6).

It feels like a fair ranking. The Vikings have to be in the top ten because of Jefferson alone; the reigning offensive player of the year has a very strong case as the NFL's top wideout. Hockenson gives them a strong No. 2 option after catching 70 passes in 11 games (including playoffs) after the trade from Detroit. K.J. Osborn, who is entering a contract year, is an underrated piece who has two straight 650-yard seasons.

Then there's Addison, the 23rd overall pick out of USC who won the Biletnikoff Award at Pitt in 2021. He's undersized and missed most of the offseason program with an undisclosed injury, but Addison's route-running ability and sure hands give him a chance to have a sizable immediate role alongside the three names mentioned above.

After that, Jalen Nailor and Jalen Reagor are likely next up on the depth chart, with Trishton Jackson and veteran Brandon Powell also potentially in the mix. TE Josh Oliver should play a lot, and he's got some receiving ability in addition to his excellence as a blocker.

For now, seventh feels about right. But if Addison hits the ground running as a rookie, he could be an upgrade from Thielen and push the Vikings' receiving corps into the NFL's top five.

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