Jordan Addison, WR USC Trojans: Offseason 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Addison was a four-star recruit from Tuscarora High School in Frederick, Md. in the class of 2020.

Today’s prospect profile is on reigning Fred Biletnikoff Award winner and USC transfer, Jordan Addison. All of the prospect profiles you see in this newsletter over the next ten months will appear in a free draft guide covering over 200 draft-eligible players. Make sure you subscribe to this newsletter to never miss a beat.

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Jordan Addison, WR USC Trojans: 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Classification: Junior slot receiver from Frederick, Md.

Background: Addison was a four-star recruit from Tuscarora High School in Frederick, Md. in the class of 2020. He was the No. 275 recruit according to 247Sports and No. 216 for On3.com. Addison was an unranked three-star recruit for Rivals and an unranked four-star recruit for ESPN with an 80 grade out of 100. As a high school senior, he recorded 25 catches for 544 yards and eight touchdowns. He also contributed multiple interceptions as a defensive back. Addison has six brothers and three sisters. He transferred from Pitt to USC in 2022. Addison was born on January 27, 2002.

2021 Production: 14 games, 100 receptions, 1,593 yards, 17 touchdowns + 12 punt returns, 185 yards

2020 Production: 10 games, 60 receptions, 666 yards, 4 touchdowns

Awards: 2021 Fred Biletnikoff Award winner, 2021 Consensus All-American, 2021 First-Team All-ACC (WR), 2021 Third-Team All-ACC (All-Purpose)

Injuries & Off-Field: N/A

Pros: Surprising production in contested catch situations despite size limitations, significant experience lining up out wide, very little manufactured production on screens and short routes, absolutely lethal working over the middle of the field, just under a quarter of his receptions went for 20 yards or more, comfortable extending outside of his frame for hands catches, effective head and arm fakes to sell routes, acceleration leads to plenty of YAC, speed to threaten defenses vertically, ball tracking is a plus, has quick and choppy footwork to set up corners for double moves, twitchy throughout his route, good vision in the open field, works back to the football, finished a fair amount of catches through contact, willing blocker who you can trust to make contact and battle for space, Kenny Pickett left some meat on the bone for Addison in 2021 (he could’ve had even more production), consistently blew by coverage in his routes, creates natural separation

Cons: Drops are a constant issue and show little sign of improvement (ten in 2020 and 11 in 2021), slot-only option at the next level, small for a primary receiver in an NFL offense, speed isn’t truly elite, has better acceleration than speed, limited opportunities to face press coverage, sent in motion frequently leading to favorable matchups and free releases, lots of one-on-one matchups with safeties, won’t break many tackles in the NFL, twitch on cuts with the football in the open field are inconsistent, struggles to maintain blocks, catch radius, occasionally allows the defensive back to crowd his space mid-route, could face hand size questions

Overview: Addison is unofficially listed at 6'0", 175 lbs. He was one of college football’s most productive wide receivers in 2021 despite several drops and missed opportunities by Kenny Pickett. Pittsburgh allowed Addison to operate out wide about a third of the time, but he’ll likely become a slot-only option in the NFL. His tape with the Panthers offers little insight into how he’ll handle routine press coverage and elite man-to-man corners. Addison is an explosive route runner who dominated between the hashes and downfield in 2021. His acceleration left defensive backs in the dust, and he often found himself operating in open space.

Overall, Addison’s build won’t endear him to every NFL team, and his usage at Pittsburgh offered plenty of free releases. However, Addison’s acceleration, route running, vertical presence, and willingness to make high-effort plays suggest he’s worth a first round selection.

Role & Scheme Fit: Primarily a slot receiver in an 11 personnel heavy scheme

Round Projection: Mid First to Late First

Player Comparison: N/A

Submitted: 07-01-22