Yardbarker
x
Insider suggests 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner is a first-round target for Chargers
Southern California Trojans wide receiver Jordan Addison Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Insider suggests 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner is a first-round target for Chargers

By Clark Dalton  |  Last updated 4/13/23

Since the Chargers offense needs one more dynamic playmaker, don't be surprised if Los Angeles selects a wideout in the first round on April 27.

"The Chargers have been adamant about adding another pass-catcher in the early rounds," wrote ESPN's Jordan Reid. "USC's Jordan Addison is a name to watch. Chris Beatty, the Chargers WR coach, who has been with the team since 2021, recruited and coached Addison at Pitt."

If the Chargers select Addison with their first-round pick (No. 21 overall), they're getting one of the best wideouts in the draft. According to The Athletic's Dane Burgler, Addison is the second-best WR prospect behind Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
 
The 2021 Biletnikoff Award winner would pair well with Chargers QB Justin Herbert due to his polished skill set and route-running ability. 

"Addison is among the most refined prospects in the 2023 draft class," wrote the Draft Network's Kyle Crabbs. "His route-running, ball skills and big-play ability will be a welcome addition and immediate improvement to most NFL landing spots."

The main question about Addison is his frame (5-foot-11, 173 pounds), raising concerns about his ability to match up with bigger DBs and durability. In 2022, he missed three games with an ankle injury. He also suffered a minor back injury at the combine, causing him to exit early. 

Los Angeles needs someone who can stay healthy since the injury bug bit its WR corps last season. Keenan Allen, 30, missed seven games with a hamstring injury, while Mike Williams missed four with an ankle injury.

Nonetheless, new Chargers OC Kellen Moore wants to push the ball downfield more, meaning he'll need wideouts who can stretch the field like Addison. 

This makes it very, very possible that the USC standout could stay in L.A. as he begins his NFL career.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.