It sounds like Jordan Addison is on track to have an even better year than he did in 2023
It didn't take long for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison to make a name for himself in the NFL. He's just one of eight wideouts since the 1970 merger to record 900+ receiving yards and 10+ receiving touchdowns in a rookie season – and that's even when accounting for the 17th game.But Addison, like […]
It didn't take long for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison to make a name for himself in the NFL. He's just one of eight wideouts since the 1970 merger to record 900+ receiving yards and 10+ receiving touchdowns in a rookie season – and that's even when accounting for the 17th game.
But Addison, like any NFL player, is only focused on what comes next and from the sounds of it, he's rolling through OTAs and off to a great start when talking about the start of the offseason.
"I'll just say last year, I wasn't as confident in my releases," Addison told reporters on Wednesday. "I wasn't being decisive. I didn't I didn't have a plan when I was coming up to the line. I was kind of just freelancing, trying to do what I could do to make something work but, now, like I said, it's my focus."
"I would say, from Year 1 to Year 2, you get to go against a guy you know, most of the time," Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. told reporters. "You're trying to figure the guy out as you get more reps and stuff, but I just feel like he came back more explosive [and] faster with his releases and all that already coming in OTAs. I just feel like he's been working on his craft a lot…
"… [He's a] good route runner, you know, he's all-of-the-above to me, as a receiver. But yeah, when I go against him, we got to make sure we get some work done with JA."
And for Addison, the plan/focus on what and how to improve is simple: his releases. He's already very good with the ball in his hands after the catch, evidenced by his 1.4 yards after catch over expected (ranked 22nd out of over 100 receivers). So, just imagine what he can do with even more space thanks to a good release.
"Just having a plan once I get to the line," said Addison. "Being decisive and just really making sure that I'm locked in on my releases. That's been my main focus and I feel like it's going well, so far."
Having Justin Jefferson, the game's best receiver, certainly helps. Jefferson's aid extends beyond producing on the field and drawing coverage away from Addison, though. The three-time All-Pro is more than willing to help his teammate via any advice, possible.
"So what he tells me is, trust my feet. So basically, like trust my legs within my routes [and] within my cuts. Like, just trust myself."
The Vikings passing attack has the chance to be very, very good in 2024, even without T.J. Hockenson for an extended period of time/not at 100%. Especially if Addison takes the next step like he should.
Quarterback play will go a long way in determining Addison's 2024 production
He doesn't care, whatsoever, though. It's pretty cut and dry, as he sees it.
"At the end of the day, we get paid to catch the ball, so we got to catch it. Some people have a little softer touch, some people will throw it little bit. But, at the end of the day, we get paid to catch the ball," said Addison.
Right now, reports have Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens mixing in reps with the first-stringers while J.J. McCarthy and Jaren Hall run with the backups. All of that makes sense, initially. Mullens already knows the offense, Darnold's time in San Francisco is going to help his personal learning curve, and McCarthy/Hall simply haven't proven anything substantial to anyone, yet.
That lineup, as sensible as it is, certainly sets the next few months up for some very interesting developments, if they were to happen. If McCarthy starts climbing the ranks, we'll know via practice reps and whatnot.
But no matter what, it sounds like Addison is going to be ready for whomever.
