Despite winning the NFC North last season, the Minnesota Vikings have a few major holes on their roster to fill. A majority of those holes are on the defensive side of the ball, where the team was abysmal during the 2022 campaign. 

Minnesota ranked 28th in points allowed and 31st in yardage allowed, which led to them having a negative point differential despite going 13-4 in the regular season. So, it would make sense that the team would target some help on that side of the ball, especially in the secondary.

Alas, the Vikings ended up going offense with their first-round pick. With the No. 23 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Minnesota selected USC wide receiver Jordan Addison. Wide receiver was another major need for the team after they released veteran Adam Thielen earlier this offseason.

While it certainly can be argued that the secondary was a more pressing need, and cornerback Deonte Banks was still on the board, it sounds as if the Vikings were all in on Addison. According to the former Biletnikoff winner via Alec Lewis of The Athletic, he was never getting past Minnesota.

“They told me, if I fall to them, they’re going to make sure they come and grab me.”

The Vikings are an excellent landing spot for Addison. He will have the luxury of receiving many advantageous situations as opposing defenses will be giving all of their attention to star wide receiver Justin Jefferson on the opposite side of the field.

Addison brings excellent route running, soft hands and some impressive after-the-catch skills to the table. A big role in the passing game is available with Thielen no longer in the mix, giving him a chance to step into the lineup and produce right away.

With experience lining up all over the formation, Addison should find success right away at the next level. It would not be surprising if he passes K.J. Osborn is in the pecking order for targets very early with the skill set that he possesses.