During his introductory press conference on Friday, the Vikings’ first round pick Jordan Addison revealed he had plenty of “promises” from other NFL teams ahead of the draft, but only the Vikings kept their word.
The USC alum was selected 23rd overall by the Vikings, the last of the four wide receivers considered to be the “best in class” in Friday’s first round.
But he could have been taken earlier, with Addison revealing he had plenty of teams promise they would be drafting him if he was still available when their draft pick came up.
How many teams promised that? He was asked.
“All of them,” was the response.
“They said [they’d draft me], but they didn’t stick to their word, so I’m glad to be a Viking,” he said. “This is where I’m supposed to be at. They believe in me, and I’m just glad to be here.”
“It was crazy because this [the Vikings] was my last 30-day visit. The last time I was on a visit, I was here,” said Addison. “And they told me if I’m on that board, they’re gonna grab me. So once Minnesota came up, I just kept checking my phone. Last two minutes came down, they called me. So just excited for that.”
Prior to the Vikings taking Addison at 23, receivers Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Quentin Johnston and Zay Flowers were taken at picks 20, 21 and 22 respectively by the Seahawks, Chargers, and the Ravens.
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the move to draft Addison was the result of “a lot of work from a lot of people, while head coach Kevin O’Connell said he’s excited about “the skillset, the person, the player” Addison is, and the “drive he has to be great.”
Addison will join a receiving corps that includes bona-fide superstar Justin Jefferson, fellow receiver KJ Osborn, and tight end T.J. Hockenson, giving Kirk Cousins a bevy of options when the season starts in September.
And he intends to bring another dimension to the team, saying he “takes pride” in running routes, commenting: “I feel like an artist, like I’m painting pictures.”
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