By selecting wide receiver Jordan Addison in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings wanted to set up their next franchise quarterback for success. Despite having a lot of inconsistency at quarterback, he thrived in his rookie season with 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He pairs with the best wide receiver in football Justin Jefferson along with T.J. Hockenson to make arguably the best group of pass catchers in the National Football League. It was a major part of the Vikings' team building strategy.
The question is: how will Addison make an impact on Darnold? Well, it's honestly as simple as just being on the field. Pro Football Focus' Steve Palazzolo pointed out back in November that in each of the last three years, Addison has helped elevate his quarterback to new heights, including elevating Kenny Pickett into a first-round pick. He revisited the tweet to reference J.J. McCarthy, but with Darnold being the starter, it projects well for him.
JJ McCarthy next? https://t.co/2lech6Mfy4
— Steve Palazzolo (@PFF_Steve) June 24, 2024
Is it as simple as just playing for the Vikings? No, but Addison's skill set is. He is explosive as a route runner and has gotten stronger over the course of the offseason, something noted by numerous analysts this offseason. The track record itself is impressive. Pickett didn't have first-round talent, yet went at 20th overall to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams went first overall this April and his production dipped this past year without Addison on the outside.
Will it be as simple as Addison being out there to extract the best out of Darnold? No, but he has elevated others consistently. The expectation being there for 2024 and beyond is fair to project.
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