Matthew Coller: Addison, Pace Jr.'s next steps are key to Vikings' plan
EAGAN — Jordan Addison put it bluntly when he was asked about building chemistry with new quarterbacks Sam Darnold and JJ McCarthy.

“At the end of the day we get paid to catch the ball so we gotta catch it,” Addison said following last week’s OTA practice.

Those are the facts, indeed.

Last year at this time we had no idea whether Addison would be able to catch footballs or not. He missed most of the offseason program with an injury and didn’t take any reps with the offense until training camp. However, it became clear very quickly that Addison wouldn’t have any issues getting his mitts around Kirk Cousins’ passes. He ran away with the WR2 job in camp and made a spectacular grab in his first preseason game.
From there he put together a strong rookie year, despite playing half the season without Jefferson taking up all the attention and Cousins missing the final nine games with a torn Achilles. Addison made 70 catches on 104 targets and scored 10 touchdowns. He produced the third most yards among all rookies.

The Vikings need more where that came from.

Last offseason the team made a concerted effort to get younger at key positions, including receiver. Drafting Addison and letting Adam Thielen walk in free agency was a calculated move with the hope of finding a long-term partner for Justin Jefferson to continue the tradition of the Vikings’ unstoppable duos (or trios) of receivers. Addison’s strong rookie year justified their decision to replace Thielen with a draft pick rather than spending it on defense.