Vikings electric rookie set to make Packers pay for passing on him

The Green Bay Packers passed on the opportunity to pick impressive rookie wideout Jordan Addison in April's NFL Draft. Now a Minnesota Viking, Addison will get his first taste of the NFC North rivalry in Week 8, ready to give the Packers a case of instant regret. 

In reality, nine teams opted not to select Addison after the Packers picked at No. 13, but Green Bay was reportedly interested and nearly called his name. According to insider Gery Woelfel, the Packers gave "strong consideration" to drafting Addison in the opening round of the 2023 NFL Draft. 

Instead, Green Bay selected Iowa linebacker Lukas Van Ness, who has yet to stand out thus far. In six games, Van Ness has played 35 percent of the Packers' defensive snaps, recording six tackles (two for loss) and one sack. 

Even Packers head coach Matt LaFleur sounded like a fan of Addison when speaking to reporters earlier this week. 

"He's a guy that, just studying him coming out of college, everybody was pretty excited about," LaFleur said, via the Packers website. "He's a dynamic threat down the field, and I think he's proven that." 

The Packers will offer a stiff test for Addison and the Vikings passing attack, entering the week ranked eighth in the NFL in passing yards against per game (194.3). Although, even without injured WR Justin Jefferson, Addison has shined, including a career-best performance in the Viking's upset win over the San Francisco 49ers, finishing with seven catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns. 

LaFleur gushed over one of Addison's touchdowns, where he ripped an interception away from a defender before scampering for a 60-yard score. However, those types of game-breaking plays are becoming commonplace for Addison.