With the 2023 NFL draft cycle officially in the rearview mirror, it’s time to move on to the 2024 cycle. One thing that comes with it are way too early mock drafts. As early as the next day, these drafts will come out, and sometimes they hit.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine released a 2023 NFL mock draft on July 11th and correctly predicted three teams selections: Houston Texans (C.J. Stroud), Indianapolis Colts (Anthony Richardson) and Minnesota Vikings (Jordan Addison). Ballentine’s write up on Addison to the Vikings is spot on.
The latest contract extension for Kirk Cousins essentially guarantees that he’ll be the quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings through 2023.
So while the Vikes could be in the market for a quarterback in next year’s draft, it’s unlikely they are bad enough to land one of the top options.
Instead, they should make a pick that makes it a more appealing place for a quarterback to come down the line.
In this case, that means targeting one of college football’s top receivers in Jordan Addison. If you watched any Kenny Pickett clips, there’s a good chance you noticed Addison. He was instrumental in the quarterback’s 2021 breakout season with 100 catches for 1,593 yards and 17 touchdowns.
Those are reminiscent of the numbers Justin Jefferson put up in his final season at LSU (111 catches, 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns).
That first-round pick worked out pretty well for the Vikings. Pairing him with Addison would ensure the Vikings maintain a dynamic duo at receiver as Adam Thielen continues to age.
The Vikings got themselves a really good one in Addison.
