As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Jordan Addison.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jordan Addison (WR – USC)
6’0″ – 175 lbs.
Background:
Originally attended Pittsburgh, starting eight of ten games played in 2020 and leading the team with a line of 60-666-4. Followed that up with a monster sophomore season of 100-1,593-17 (15.9), a year in which he won the Biletnikoff Award, then transferred to Southern California, where he wore Carson Palmer’s previously-retired #3 jersey. In his only season with the Trojans, caught 59-875-8 (14.8), missing the bowl game due to injury.
Positives:
Highly productive receiver who’s able to line up both inside and outside; might end up being more of a slot guy at the next level, which fits his skillset a little bit better. Has quick feet and impressive agility to release at the line of scrimmage against press coverage. Ran a variety of different routes to different levels of the field but primarily runs routes within ten yards of the line of scrimmage, as well as some over routes and patterns of that nature at the intermediate level. Sinks his hips into the route stem, with well above-average quickness and flexibility to lose defenders when working against man; very difficult to stop on little whip/jerk routes underneath. Flattens out his posts to give his quarterback an easy throw rather than drifting up into coverage. Competitive and physical after the catch to fight for extra yards, the Trojans drew up a lot of plays built around getting him the ball in space, including reverses off of motion, screens off of orbit, etc. Works hard to get involved in the blocking game. Has some experience returning punts and the type of tools to succeed in that role.
Negatives:
Junior season was a dropoff in production relative to his sophomore campaign. A little bit on the thin side for a pro receiver and doesn’t present the biggest target for passers. Runs flag routes and slot fades but can struggle to stack defenders in his hip when running routes down the field; a lot of his go routes looked more like clearing patterns. Didn’t always see him modify routes to create throwing lanes against zone, or improvise when the play broke down. Lets too many throws into his body and can struggle to snatch throws away from his frame. Effectiveness as a blocker is limited by his lack of ideal strength. Hasn’t been as effective returning punts as his skillset would indicate.
Summary:
One of the most agile, flexible receiver prospects you’ll see, he has the quickness and technique to release at the line and create separation at the stem when working against man coverage and the burst and competitiveness to rack up yards after catch with the ball in his hands. Thin frame and lack of ideal separation on go routes down the sideline may relegate him to the slot, but could easily be a high-volume target to build an offense around.
Projection: Round 1
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