O'Connell: Addison displaying 'real growth' entering 2nd year

The development of wide receiver Jordan Addison is drawing plenty of praise from the Minnesota Vikings' coaching staff this offseason.

"Jordan Addison had as good of an offseason program as really you can ask for," head coach Kevin O'Connell said, per ESPN's Kevin Seifert. "(He is) a guy that had a ton of success in Year 1. And really, from a standpoint of getting a little stronger, getting a little bit more comfortable playing through contact and still playing with that great burst and transition that he has, you saw some real growth there (this spring)."

The 22-year-old wideout missed a large portion of the Vikings' spring sessions last year due to an injury. However, he turned in an impressive pro debut by becoming only the fourth player in modern NFL history to record 70 receptions, 900 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns in their rookie campaign.

The former USC product is aiming to refine his technique in a bid to increase his production in his sophomore season.

"Last year I wasn't as confident in my releases," he said. "I wasn't being decisive. I didn't have a plan when I was coming up to the line. I was just freelancing trying to make something work."

Addison credits receivers coach Keenan McCardell's guidance for helping him to take his "game to the next level in one year."

Addison emerged as a capable target in the Vikings' passing game after Justin Jefferson missed several games during the 2023 season due to injury. With Jefferson having signed a lucrative extension in June, the three-time Pro Bowler is expected to be a key factor alongside T.J. Hockenson and Addison for the foreseeable future. Longtime Green Bay Packers halfback Aaron Jones was brought in to help spark a rushing attack that struggled last year.

The Vikings have plenty of offensive playmakers that should see the group remain a top-10 unit in total offense. With Kirk Cousins no longer under center, it's unclear whether veteran quarterback Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy will be starting Week 1 against the New York Giants on Sept. 8.