The 2023 NFL Draft doesn't feature a can't-miss prospect at the wide receiver position, but USC's Jordan Addison would be a projected first-round pick any year.
Addison transferred to USC about five months after he won the Biletnikoff Award at Pitt in 2021, helping Caleb Williams win a Heisman Trophy with the Trojans before declaring for the draft.
As draft weekend approaches, there's still plenty of debate about the top receivers available. Will Addison be the highest-drafted pass-catcher, or will Jaxon Smith-Njigba or Quentin Johnston hear their name called first?
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The Sporting News takes a closer look at Addison's scouting report, including a comparison to one of the NFL's budding receivers.
Jordan Addison NFL Draft scouting report
Addison was one of the most explosive weapons in the country at Pitt, finishing with 1,579 yards and 17 touchdowns as Kenny Pickett's go-to target in 2021. While his production took a sizable step back at USC, he still averaged 14.8 yards per catch and posted four 100-yard games.
Addison ranks 25th on SN's Vinnie Iyer's big board, his third-highest receiver behind Johnston and Smith-Njigba.
There are only two major knocks on Addison's game: Size and drops.
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It's tough to get around the fact Addison is smaller than most No. 1 receivers at the NFL level, standing at just 5-11 with a fairly thin frame. It wasn't much of a problem for him at the collegiate level, but the NFL is bigger, stronger, and faster. That doesn't mean smaller players can't thrive, but it does give teams some pause when evaluating smaller players who dominated in college.
Drops are another mild concern. Addison battled drops at times during his only season with the Trojans and will need to hold onto the ball to take full advantage of his skill-set in the NFL.
If Addison can limit drops in the NFL, there's no reason he can't turn into a quarterback's go-to target. He has terrific speed plus excellent athleticism, and he flashed a constant ability to gain separation at both Pitt and USC.
Jordan Addison NFL comparison
The NFL is getting faster, and small receivers have benefited from that. DeVonta Smith, whose slight frame was a bit of a sticking point entering the NFL Draft after he won the Heisman Trophy, has looked comfortable at every turn since being drafted by the Eagles. He might be the model for Addison as the USC receiver starts his own pro career.
Smith entered the NFL at about 6-0 and 170 pounds. Addison measured in at 5-11 and 173 pounds, with a 4.49 40-yard dash. Smith didn't run an official 40-yard dash in 2021 with the NFL Combine canceled. Similar to Addison, he doesn't have game-breaking speed but is still fast.
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Smith thrives on getting open. The separation he gained at Alabama was unbelievable, and he's continued to find ways to get open in the NFL. Smith's catch rate also went from 61.5 percent as a rookie to 69.9 percent in his second season.
If Addison can follow a similar track and develop more stable hands, his frame might not be much of a hindrance. To this point, size hasn't prevented Smith from turning into a dangerous weapon.
Jordan Addison NFL mock draft
Sporting News' seven-round mock draft has the Texans selecting Addison with the 12th overall pick.
The mock draft also has Houston drafting C.J. Stroud, so Addison would give the former Ohio State QB an instant No. 1 target with Brandin Cooks now out of the picture for the franchise.
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Iyer has Addison as the second receiver off the board, one pick behind Johnston. Along with Smith-Njigba, it's at least a three-way battle to be the first receiver selected in a draft class that doesn't have a clear No. 1 prospect at the position.
One possible destination would make for a fun storyline. Would the Steelers be willing to reunite Addison with Pickett? Pittsburgh just drafted George Pickens last year and has other needs, but the AFC North connection between Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase could inspire the Steelers to find their own college teammate magic.
