Last year was an injury-riddled mess for the Minnesota Vikings, as their two top players — Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson — missed big chunks of time due to injuries. That allowed other players a chance to prove themselves, and in the end, their first-round rookie receiver, Jordan Addison, caught 70 passes for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns. The questions are: will Addison be able to find the end zone as frequently this season? Will he be suspended this season? And, most importantly, should you draft him?
Should You Draft Jordan Addison?
- Yahoo ADP: 93 overall, WR41
- Our Rank: 95 overall, WR43 – Half Point PPR
Last season, Addison finished as WR22 in fantasy thanks to his strong finish of double-digit touchdowns. Unfortunately, off-season news has changed things for the second-year receiver. He will be without Kirk Cousins throwing the ball, he’ll again need to defer to Jefferson in the offense, and he has a likely three-game suspension coming at some point, though that point could be next season.
But, there is also some okay news, with the team letting WR K.J. Osborn walk and tight end T.J. Hockenson possibly missing time at the beginning of the season due to his off-season knee surgery. We know Jefferson will get his, but with Osborn gone and not a lot of talent on the depth chart, Addison should be able to carve out a decent WR2 role on a team where the coach likes to throw the ball a lot. Kevin O’Connell’s offense ranked fifth in pass rate last season, and a very small number of those targets went to running backs. If you are Jefferson, Hockenson, or Addison, the ball will come to you.
Rookie J.J. McCarthy’s season ended before it started with an injury in his first preseason game. That leaves Sam Darnold as their starter, for better or worse. We’ve seen flashes from Darnold over the last couple of seasons, and there is a chance he can turn things around, especially in one of the better offensive systems in the league. But we can’t start predicting that Darnold will help Addison reach his upside for fantasy.
As far as Addison’s legal troubles go, there isn’t much certainty, but the case is being dragged out and there is a chance he avoids punishment this season. That isn’t something we can count on, but I’m leaning toward him being eligible to play all season.
The Bottom Line
- I am lukewarm on Jordan Addison at ADP of 93 overall.
- I’d rather draft WRs like Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, and Curtis Samuel ahead of Addison.
The trouble with Addison is that there isn’t a ton of upside for fantasy. The little upside is contingent on Darnold playing well, with no suspension, and Addison earning a big enough target share when Jefferson and Hockenson are both healthy.
If I’m looking for wide receiver, I like Xavier Worthy, Ladd McConkey, and Curtis Samuel ahead of Addison despite their ADP falling after the Vikings’ receiver so far this season.
