National media outlet calls a Vikings draft pick a perfect scheme fit in Minnesota
The Athletic's Ted Nguyen recently detailed the 2023 NFL Draft picks that are the best scheme fits with their new teams. Nguyen only named 10 players from the draft that are among the best scheme fits and one of the Minnesota Vikings' draft selections made his list. For the Vikings, it's a sign that the scouting […]
The Athletic's Ted Nguyen recently detailed the 2023 NFL Draft picks that are the best scheme fits with their new teams.
Nguyen only named 10 players from the draft that are among the best scheme fits and one of the Minnesota Vikings' draft selections made his list.
For the Vikings, it's a sign that the scouting department nailed their evaluations.
Nguyen really liked the Vikings' selection of USC wide receiver Jordan Addison.
Specifically, Nguyen thinks the concerns about Addison ahead of the draft — some folks think Addison will struggle with press coverage — won't be an issue with the Vikings because of Kevin O'Connell's offensive scheme (which is essentially Sean McVay's scheme).
From The Athletic: The biggest concern with Addison is whether he’ll be able to win against more physical corners when they press him. He has a slight frame, and if corners get their hands on him, he’ll have a hard time releasing. But in Kevin O’Connell’s offense, he’ll have the benefit of playing in a lot of condensed formations, so defenses will press him a lot less. O’Connell’s offense is derived from McVay’s, so there are a ton of option routes and return routes that require receivers who can efficiently get in and out of breaks.
The Vikings are going to have two of the best route runners in the NFL on their roster in Addison and Justin Jefferson. The decision to select Addison in the first round could really turn Minnesota's offense into one of the top 3 or 4 offenses in the NFL (the Vikings' offense was already quite good, finishing as the No. 8 scoring offense in the NFL last season).
Opposing defensive backs are going to have some nightmarish Sunday afternoons this fall trying to cover Addison and Jefferson.
If Addison is as advertised, it should open up more opportunities for Jefferson, who should see fewer double teams in 2023. As good as Jefferson's numbers have been during his first three years in the NFL, they could be even better moving forward with Addison on the roster.
