Jordan Addison certainly ‘looks the part’ in first practice with Vikings

Maybe it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Vikings rookie receiver Jordan Addison turned heads Friday at TCO Performance Center.

His effortless movement on the practice field paved the way for crisp routes for rookie quarterbacks Jaren Hall and Logan Nelson.

Heck, the artistry from the first-round draft pick even attracted head coach Kevin O’Connell, who threw him a couple of passes during the first day of rookie minicamp.

“I thought Jordan had a really, really good day,” O’Connell said. ‘He looks the part, which is exactly what I expected out of him.”

This has been a long time coming for Addison. Ever since the Vikings drafted him with the No. 23 pick in last month’s draft. the 5-foot-11, 175-pound receiver from Southern Cal has been eager to get to work

Never mind that Addison impressed the Vikings in the predraft process. He’s clearly most comfortable on the field.

“I finally get a chance to put the equipment on and play,” he said. “It’s a little bit more relaxing because I get to do what I do best.”

Though he has the raw talent to succeed at the highest level, Addison also has the work ethic. He dove headfirst into the playbook shortly after getting drafted and has already retained a lot of information.

“You can tell he’s a little bit ahead of a lot of the guys out on the field today,” O’Connell said. “He’s understanding exactly what that play means for what routes he has and how to go adjust once the picture changes when that ball is snapped. I was looking forward to seeing how he was moving. Just coming in and out of cuts and attacking the football when it was in the air.”

Asked about getting to throw to Addison for the first time, Hall lauded the receiver’s ability to get open with relative ease.

“I’ve got to give him some better balls to help him out a little bit,” Hall said with a laugh. “He runs great routes, and he’s going to be a great player.”

The biggest thing for Addison right now is gaining more knowledge of the playbook.

“It’s a lot,” Addison said with a laugh. “I ain’t going to lie.”

He vowed to learn as much as he can in rookie minicamp this weekend so that he’s ready for what lies ahead next week when the veterans join the practice field.

“It’s a lot different mentally going into the huddle and having to process a lot and figure out the defense,” Addison said. “I know once I step up there without the rookies it’s going to be a little bit faster, so I’m just trying to make sure I sharpen everything up right now.”

As much as he’s trying to stay in the moment, Addison has already started envisioning what life could look like alongside the likes of receivers Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn.

“It’s looking good when I’m looking at the playbook,” he said. “Just where I’m going to be at with all the routes that are in there. I’m staying humble, and I’m going to keep working. Then when it’s my time to shine, I’m going to make sure I shine.”

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