WOW, 70 catches and 10 td's from this rook!
Sometimes you can tell more about an interview subject from how they say things than from what is actually said.
With Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison, you get both.
The substance of his words carries meaning; so, too, does the delivery. Maybe that's just a natural offshoot of the way he plays: bigger than his 170-pound frame would suggest, with both steadiness and flair in his game.
During a recent conversation for the Daily Delivery podcast, Addison had plenty to say while also leaving some things unsaid.
Here are my five biggest takeaways after talking with him:
Addison is very much a fan of Kirk Cousins. Seven of Addison's 10 touchdown catches as a rookie came from Cousins, even though Cousins was hurt for more than half the season. We started talking about the Super Bowl, and I was lauding Patrick Mahomes as the best QB on the planet. Addison interrupted to say, "That's because they ain't played with Kirk." I circled back to that a little later, asking him how good he thinks Cousins is. Said Addison: "Kirk is great. He's better than good. Kirk is great. Watch the film. Turn on the film and watch without a perspective. Take all that other stuff away and just watch him. He's like that."
So does that mean Addison will lobby the Vikings to keep Cousins — a free agent next month — as it seemed Justin Jefferson was toward the end of the regular season? "I'm going to call him when we get off here," Addison said. I asked if he meant Cousins or Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and he laughed. Cousins, obviously. He doesn't have a direct line to lobby the GM? "I ain't got that yet," he said, laughing again. What will the Vikings do during a very interesting draft, and how much is Addison paying attention? "Hmm. I'm curious, too," he said.
We all watched a very strange Vikings season. Four different quarterbacks started games. They started out ice cold, got red hot, and plummeted at the end. What did it feel like to go through it? "I'll say looking back at it now it was kind of a wild ride. ... When I was in the moment, it was just like 'we gotta just work, we gotta do what we can do.' But looking back on it now, it was a wild ride for sure."
Addison was critical of his own play late in the season. He revisited that idea of not being satisfied. "When I had said that I was really frustrated with how I was playing because I felt like I could have been doing more," he said. "It was a couple of opportunities throughout games where I'd miss the ball. You never know how it (would have) ended up. Basically just making sure that I take every opportunity and make the most of it."
It has been suggested to Addison that he could gain 10 pounds on his 170-pound frame, but he likes being lean and playing big. "You just can't be scared. I feel like if you're bringing it, too, it ain't going to be so bad," he said. "I've just got to. That's just how I play. I've always been the smallest dude."
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Addison blew the doors off all expectations. Didn't we have a prediction thread about him? I think I said something like 40 for 500 and 4 TDs.
You keep Addison and Jefferson together a few years and watch the records fall. Assuming we have someone to throw them the ball of course.
@"MaroonBells" said: Addison blew the doors off all expectations. Didn't we have a prediction thread about him? I think I said something like 40 for 500 and 4 TDs.You keep Addison and Jefferson together a few years and watch the records fall. Assuming we have someone to throw them the ball of course.
Yes, the ceiling is high, really high with the right triggerman.
JJ and Addison could be like Holt and Bruce.
Remember the angst on this board because of the speeding incident? Me neither :)
NOPE, NOPE, NOPE, KAM CAN'T DRAFT, THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT!!!!
;)
Some thought he'd fail because he was too 'skinny'.....so much for that.
No question Addison can play, the big question mark was his ability to stay healthy, which he was able to do this year. Think it is a big mistake if he doesn't think it is necessary to get bigger as the one obvious weakness in his game was getting outmuscled by DBs. I like Addison, but given the fact that we have no QB of the future and we are not going to get one of the top 3 this year, I still think the pick should have been Will Levis. He looked impressive in limited action this year, although still a long way to go to prove himself to be legit, think he was worth the gamble at that spot.
@"JR44" said: No question Addison can play, the big question mark was his ability to stay healthy, which he was able to do this year. Think it is a big mistake if he doesn't think it is necessary to get bigger as the one obvious weakness in his game was getting outmuscled by DBs. I like Addison, but given the fact that we have no QB of the future and we are not going to get one of the top 3 this year, I still think the pick should have been Will Levis. He looked impressive in limited action this year, although still a long way to go to prove himself to be legit, think he was worth the gamble at that spot.
I doubt that we'll ever know why KOC passed on Levis.
@"Knucklehead" said:@"JR44" said: No question Addison can play, the big question mark was his ability to stay healthy, which he was able to do this year. Think it is a big mistake if he doesn't think it is necessary to get bigger as the one obvious weakness in his game was getting outmuscled by DBs. I like Addison, but given the fact that we have no QB of the future and we are not going to get one of the top 3 this year, I still think the pick should have been Will Levis. He looked impressive in limited action this year, although still a long way to go to prove himself to be legit, think he was worth the gamble at that spot.I doubt that we'll ever know why KOC passed on Levis.
Agree. It's likely a character issue that came out of their intel, and those rarely see the light of day. And I think you're right that it was KOC who nixed it and not KAM. He is the one with connections to Levis's former coaches. Whatever it was, it turned off more than just the Vikings. A good half dozen QB-needy teams passed on him.
@"Zanary" said: NOPE, NOPE, NOPE, KAM CAN'T DRAFT, THIS CAN'T BE RIGHT!!!!;)
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes..
Great year from Addison though. Just goes to show in today's NFL where DB's are forced to play with essentially one hand behind their backs under the new rules, the "skinny" argument on receivers no longer applies. If you are quick and can get open...you'll be productive
His production was alright I guess. But did you see his draft day suit? What a diva.
Just read this :(
Vikings' 2023 rookie class given mediocre grade by NFL.com
But those two weren't enough to keep the Vikings from getting the worst grade for their rookie class among the four teams in the NFC North. Eric Edholm of NFL.com gave Minnesota a "C" for its first-year players in 2023. The Lions (A-), Packers (B+), and Bears (B) all got notably better marks.
Edholm's reasoning is that outside of Addison, Pace, and some signs of potential from Mekhi Blackmon, the Vikings didn't get anything else from their rookies last season.
The Vikings received big contributions from their first-round selection and an undrafted player. The problem was, they did not find enough in between. A lack of picks hindered Minnesota's drafting efforts in 2023, as they had to wait nearly 80 selections between taking Addison in Round 1 and Blackmon in Round 3.That's fair. I think the Vikings will view the class as a success if Addison — who had 911 yards and ten touchdowns as a rookie — is a perennial 1,000-yard WR2 and Pace and Blackmon cement themselves as long-term starters on defense. But Pace and Blackmon still have plenty to prove in year two.
It wasn't a great class overall, but the Vikings appear to have found at least three players who can be notable contributors going forward.
@"purplefaithful" said:@"MaroonBells" said: Addison blew the doors off all expectations. Didn't we have a prediction thread about him? I think I said something like 40 for 500 and 4 TDs.You keep Addison and Jefferson together a few years and watch the records fall. Assuming we have someone to throw them the ball of course.
Yes, the ceiling is high, really high with the right triggerman.JJ and Addison could be like Holt and Bruce.
Hopefully with out the hammy issues.
@"minny65" said:I think that's fair. I still contend the front office shouldn't receive credit FOR NOT drafting Pace. Sometimes you get lucky, and a good bit of luck played into that. Sad though when we get excited about a "C" draft class just because it wasn't an "F" or "D" like the year prior. This is year 3 and draft 3 for the Golden Child. We need more production from draft picksJust read this :( Vikings' 2023 rookie class given mediocre grade by NFL.comStory by Will Ragatz • 21hThe Vikings' 2023 rookie class is already clearly superior to the massively-disappointing 2022 group that has made very little impact through two seasons. Jordan Addison had a fantastic debut season and looks like a perfect complement to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in Kevin O'Connell's offense. Defensively, Ivan Pace Jr. was a steal of an undrafted free agent; he had a very promising season in Brian Flores' scheme.But those two weren't enough to keep the Vikings from getting the worst grade for their rookie class among the four teams in the NFC North. Eric Edholm of NFL.com gave Minnesota a "C" for its first-year players in 2023. The Lions (A-), Packers (B+), and Bears (B) all got notably better marks.
Edholm's reasoning is that outside of Addison, Pace, and some signs of potential from Mekhi Blackmon, the Vikings didn't get anything else from their rookies last season.The Vikings received big contributions from their first-round selection and an undrafted player. The problem was, they did not find enough in between. A lack of picks hindered Minnesota's drafting efforts in 2023, as they had to wait nearly 80 selections between taking Addison in Round 1 and Blackmon in Round 3.That's fair. I think the Vikings will view the class as a success if Addison — who had 911 yards and ten touchdowns as a rookie — is a perennial 1,000-yard WR2 and Pace and Blackmon cement themselves as long-term starters on defense. But Pace and Blackmon still have plenty to prove in year two.
It wasn't a great class overall, but the Vikings appear to have found at least three players who can be notable contributors going forward.What may keep this class from being a truly great one is its small size and lack of premium picks. Addison was the only player the Vikings took in the top 100. After Blackmon at 102, they took four players — Jay Ward, Jaquelin Roy, Jaren Hall, and DeWayne McBride — on Day 3. Roy (95 snaps) is the only player in that group who saw at least 50 offensive or defense snaps in 2023. McBride didn't play at all, although undrafted players Andre Carter II, NaJee Thompson, and Jaylin Williams did.If Addison, Blackmon, and Pace all pan out, any contributions from other '23 rookies would just be gravy. But for now, a "C" grade isn't unreasonable.
@"minny65" said:Just read this :( Vikings' 2023 rookie class given mediocre grade by NFL.comStory by Will Ragatz • 21hThe Vikings' 2023 rookie class is already clearly superior to the massively-disappointing 2022 group that has made very little impact through two seasons. Jordan Addison had a fantastic debut season and looks like a perfect complement to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in Kevin O'Connell's offense. Defensively, Ivan Pace Jr. was a steal of an undrafted free agent; he had a very promising season in Brian Flores' scheme.But those two weren't enough to keep the Vikings from getting the worst grade for their rookie class among the four teams in the NFC North. Eric Edholm of NFL.com gave Minnesota a "C" for its first-year players in 2023. The Lions (A-), Packers (B+), and Bears (B) all got notably better marks.
Edholm's reasoning is that outside of Addison, Pace, and some signs of potential from Mekhi Blackmon, the Vikings didn't get anything else from their rookies last season.The Vikings received big contributions from their first-round selection and an undrafted player. The problem was, they did not find enough in between. A lack of picks hindered Minnesota's drafting efforts in 2023, as they had to wait nearly 80 selections between taking Addison in Round 1 and Blackmon in Round 3.That's fair. I think the Vikings will view the class as a success if Addison — who had 911 yards and ten touchdowns as a rookie — is a perennial 1,000-yard WR2 and Pace and Blackmon cement themselves as long-term starters on defense. But Pace and Blackmon still have plenty to prove in year two.
It wasn't a great class overall, but the Vikings appear to have found at least three players who can be notable contributors going forward.What may keep this class from being a truly great one is its small size and lack of premium picks. Addison was the only player the Vikings took in the top 100. After Blackmon at 102, they took four players — Jay Ward, Jaquelin Roy, Jaren Hall, and DeWayne McBride — on Day 3. Roy (95 snaps) is the only player in that group who saw at least 50 offensive or defense snaps in 2023. McBride didn't play at all, although undrafted players Andre Carter II, NaJee Thompson, and Jaylin Williams did.If Addison, Blackmon, and Pace all pan out, any contributions from other '23 rookies would just be gravy. But for now, a "C" grade isn't unreasonable.
The biggest factor in the "C" grade is the missing 2nd round pick from the TJH trade & clearly his production wasn't factored into the grading.
@"supafreak84" said:@"minny65" said:Just read this :( Vikings' 2023 rookie class given mediocre grade by NFL.comI think that's fair. I still contend the front office shouldn't receive credit FOR NOT drafting Pace. Sometimes you get lucky, and a good bit of luck played into that. Sad though when we get excited about a "C" draft class just because it wasn't an "F" or "D" like the year prior. This is year 3 and draft 3 for the Golden Child. We need more production from draft picksStory by Will Ragatz • 21hThe Vikings' 2023 rookie class is already clearly superior to the massively-disappointing 2022 group that has made very little impact through two seasons. Jordan Addison had a fantastic debut season and looks like a perfect complement to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in Kevin O'Connell's offense. Defensively, Ivan Pace Jr. was a steal of an undrafted free agent; he had a very promising season in Brian Flores' scheme.But those two weren't enough to keep the Vikings from getting the worst grade for their rookie class among the four teams in the NFC North. Eric Edholm of NFL.com gave Minnesota a "C" for its first-year players in 2023. The Lions (A-), Packers (B+), and Bears (B) all got notably better marks.
Edholm's reasoning is that outside of Addison, Pace, and some signs of potential from Mekhi Blackmon, the Vikings didn't get anything else from their rookies last season.The Vikings received big contributions from their first-round selection and an undrafted player. The problem was, they did not find enough in between. A lack of picks hindered Minnesota's drafting efforts in 2023, as they had to wait nearly 80 selections between taking Addison in Round 1 and Blackmon in Round 3.That's fair. I think the Vikings will view the class as a success if Addison — who had 911 yards and ten touchdowns as a rookie — is a perennial 1,000-yard WR2 and Pace and Blackmon cement themselves as long-term starters on defense. But Pace and Blackmon still have plenty to prove in year two.
It wasn't a great class overall, but the Vikings appear to have found at least three players who can be notable contributors going forward.What may keep this class from being a truly great one is its small size and lack of premium picks. Addison was the only player the Vikings took in the top 100. After Blackmon at 102, they took four players — Jay Ward, Jaquelin Roy, Jaren Hall, and DeWayne McBride — on Day 3. Roy (95 snaps) is the only player in that group who saw at least 50 offensive or defense snaps in 2023. McBride didn't play at all, although undrafted players Andre Carter II, NaJee Thompson, and Jaylin Williams did.If Addison, Blackmon, and Pace all pan out, any contributions from other '23 rookies would just be gravy. But for now, a "C" grade isn't unreasonable.Disagree about Pace. What if they met with Pace at the Combine? What if they kept in contact with him prior to his pro day? What if they met with him after his pro day & outlined how they would use him in the defense? What if they had every intention on drafting him on Day 3 but as the draft played out they were lucky enough in to sign him as an UDFA?
The fact is that none of us know how much homework if any, the team did on Pace.
How can you not give credit for aquiring a major contributor w/o “wasting” what was most likely a late draft pick?
@"Knucklehead" said:@"supafreak84" said:@"minny65" said:Just read this :( Vikings' 2023 rookie class given mediocre grade by NFL.comI think that's fair. I still contend the front office shouldn't receive credit FOR NOT drafting Pace. Sometimes you get lucky, and a good bit of luck played into that. Sad though when we get excited about a "C" draft class just because it wasn't an "F" or "D" like the year prior. This is year 3 and draft 3 for the Golden Child. We need more production from draft picksStory by Will Ragatz • 21hThe Vikings' 2023 rookie class is already clearly superior to the massively-disappointing 2022 group that has made very little impact through two seasons. Jordan Addison had a fantastic debut season and looks like a perfect complement to Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in Kevin O'Connell's offense. Defensively, Ivan Pace Jr. was a steal of an undrafted free agent; he had a very promising season in Brian Flores' scheme.But those two weren't enough to keep the Vikings from getting the worst grade for their rookie class among the four teams in the NFC North. Eric Edholm of NFL.com gave Minnesota a "C" for its first-year players in 2023. The Lions (A-), Packers (B+), and Bears (B) all got notably better marks.
Edholm's reasoning is that outside of Addison, Pace, and some signs of potential from Mekhi Blackmon, the Vikings didn't get anything else from their rookies last season.The Vikings received big contributions from their first-round selection and an undrafted player. The problem was, they did not find enough in between. A lack of picks hindered Minnesota's drafting efforts in 2023, as they had to wait nearly 80 selections between taking Addison in Round 1 and Blackmon in Round 3.That's fair. I think the Vikings will view the class as a success if Addison — who had 911 yards and ten touchdowns as a rookie — is a perennial 1,000-yard WR2 and Pace and Blackmon cement themselves as long-term starters on defense. But Pace and Blackmon still have plenty to prove in year two.
It wasn't a great class overall, but the Vikings appear to have found at least three players who can be notable contributors going forward.What may keep this class from being a truly great one is its small size and lack of premium picks. Addison was the only player the Vikings took in the top 100. After Blackmon at 102, they took four players — Jay Ward, Jaquelin Roy, Jaren Hall, and DeWayne McBride — on Day 3. Roy (95 snaps) is the only player in that group who saw at least 50 offensive or defense snaps in 2023. McBride didn't play at all, although undrafted players Andre Carter II, NaJee Thompson, and Jaylin Williams did.If Addison, Blackmon, and Pace all pan out, any contributions from other '23 rookies would just be gravy. But for now, a "C" grade isn't unreasonable.Disagree about Pace. What if they met with Pace at the Combine? What if they kept in contact with him prior to his pro day? What if they met with him after his pro day & outlined how they would use him in the defense? What if they had every intention on drafting him on Day 3 but as the draft played out they were lucky enough in to sign him as an UDFA?
The fact is that none of us know how much homework if any, the team did on Pace.
I'm sure a lot of team's kept tabs on him, but if our scouts and front office thought he was going to be a great player we would have used a draft pick on him. The fact that we didn't, just reinforces my thought that is was luck that he panned out because probably 95% don't amount to anything. Undrafted free agents base who they choose to sign with on two things, money and opportunity. The Vikings had opportunity after Kendricks left and the Vikings paid him more than other teams would. I'll give them credit for that but patting Kwesi and the scouting department on the back over a job well done on Pace is a huge stretch IMO.
@"Kentis" said: How can you not give credit for aquiring a major contributor w/o “wasting” what was most likely a late draft pick?Its just silly how those with a narrative pick and choose how a HC or GM is 'successful'. Judge by the losses, judge by the worst picks and ignore the rest.
Going to be a fun offseason on this board. I think its time for my annual vacation.
@"Kentis" said: How can you not give credit for aquiring a major contributor w/o “wasting” what was most likely a late draft pick?Right? Pace was a college free agent the Vikings identified, pursued and offered. In that way, he's no different than Davenport or Lowry. We sure as hell don't excuse the GM for those decisions. Why would we not give him credit for Pace? Or Risner? Or Murphy?
The narrative building, at the cost of truth and common sense, is baffling.
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