Potential impact of Vikings' rookie WR may be overlooked

Selected 23rd overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, former USC wideout Jordan Addison arrived as the newest addition to the Minnesota Vikings offense with little, if any, fanfare. However, the rookies' potential impact may be going unnoticed. 

Addison joins a receiving corp already dominated by Justin Jefferson, one of the best wideouts in the NFL. But, even in Year 1, Addison should have no problem finding a significant role with the Vikings. 

The 21-year-old couldn't have found a better home. Not only is he protected by Jefferson on the opposite side, but he replaces Adam Thielen, taking over one of the most advantageous receiver spots in football. According to Pro Football Focus, only Jefferson (690) ran more routes than Thielen (674), a product of head coach Kevin O'Connell's system. 

O'Connell is unlikely to tone down that trend in his second season patrolling the sidelines for the Vikings, meaning Addison is in line for plenty of opportunities. While that might be gold to the ears of fantasy players looking for a late-round sleeper, it should also excite Vikings fans. 

Even though Addison has yet to play a snap in the NFL, he's arguably a better option for the Vikings than Thielen. Addison still has to prove it at the NFL level, and he'll have his doubters considering his small, six-foot, 175-pound frame. 

However, he showed that size and lack of blazing speed can't hold him back in college. Addison garnered the seventh-best passer rating (139.0) among draftable receivers last year, per PFF, while averaging 14.8 yards per reception (59 catches, 875 yards) during his senior season at USC. 

Furthermore, Addison's quarterback, veteran Kirk Cousins, believes he's more than ready for the big stage. Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Cousins said Addison has proven to be a "capable player" since the start of training camp. 

"He continues to make athletic plays, show that he's just a natural receiver, the way he runs routes and catches the football," Cousins said via the Vikings. "So, I'm excited to get him out there in the real deal and get him involved. Excited to see him become a part of our offense and another weapon to use in addition to so many great players." 

While rookies can sometimes get lost in the shuffle, it appears that Addison will have the opportunity to become a significant part of the Vikings' offense from the jump. 

And, despite being the fourth receiver taken off the draft board, he could end the year having made a bigger impact than any picked before him.