As the 2023 NFL season approaches, the Minnesota Vikings are gearing up for an exciting campaign filled with new possibilities and fresh talent. Every season, a few players emerge as breakout stars, exceeding expectations and impacting the team’s success. In this article, we will introduce three breakout candidates for the 2023 Minnesota Vikings: Jordan Addison, Mekhi Blackmon, and Marcus Davenport. These promising athletes have the potential to make a significant impact on the team’s fortunes this season.
Vikings WR Jordan Addison (3)- Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune
Jordan Addison – Another Playmaker
Jordan Addison, a young and dynamic wide receiver, is poised to make a name for himself in the Vikings’ offense. Standing at 5’11” with exceptional speed and agility, Addison has all the tools to become a top-tier wideout. After a successful collegiate career, he was selected by the Vikings 23rd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Addison’s exceptional route-running ability and natural hands have already caught the attention of his coaches and teammates during off-season workouts. With his versatility and playmaking skills, he is likely to become a reliable target for quarterback Kirk Cousins. Addison’s explosiveness off the line of scrimmage and ability to create separation makes him a formidable threat in both short-yardage and deep-passing situations.
With Adam Thielen gone, the Vikings will need a new Robin to their Batman in Justin Jefferson. By being drafted in the 1st round of the 2023 NFL draft, it is to be expected that Addison will have all the opportunity in the world to be a major contributor this year. Keep an eye on Jordan Addison, as he has the potential to be a game-changer for the Vikings’ offense.
Vikings WR Mekhi Blackmon (11)- Elizabeth Flores/Star Tribune
Mekhi Blackmon – A Lockdown Corner in the Making
The Vikings’ secondary has been a point of concern in recent years, but they may have found a solution in cornerback Mekhi Blackmon. After being selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Blackmon showcased his talent and versatility during his final collegiate year at USC where he record three interceptions, one force fumble, 45 solo tackles, and displayed impressive man-to-man coverage skills his final year as a Trojan.
Blackmon’s ability to read opposing offenses and make quick breaks on the ball makes him a strong candidate to emerge as a starting corner in 2023. His exceptional athleticism and physicality allow him to excel in man-to-man coverage, and his instincts and ball skills give him an edge in zone coverage. With more playing time and the guidance of veteran teammates like Byron Murphy Jr and Harrison Smith, Blackmon has the potential to make a significant impact on the Vikings’ defense this season.
The secondary was mangled with injuries last year and with the departures of Patrick Peterson and Cameron Dantzler, there are many questions on who would start opposite of Byron Murphy Jr this upcoming season. Blackmon was the Viking’s first pick on the defensive side of the ball in the 2023 NFL Draft. Clearly, the coaching staff saw something in the former USC cornerback which is why the Vikings drafted him in the third round. It is fair to assume that the Vikings will also give Blackmon every opportunity to compete for the vacant starting corner spot since Murphy Jr is the only corner penciled in as a clear starter.
Marcus Davenport – Anchoring the Defensive Front
On the defensive front, Marcus Davenport is a breakout candidate who possesses the raw talent to dominate opposing offensive lines. After joining the Vikings via a one-year 13 million dollar deal, Davenport brings a formidable blend of size, strength, and agility to the team’s pass rush. Standing at 6’6″ and weighing in at 265 pounds, he has the physical attributes necessary to wreak havoc in the backfield.
Davenport’s explosiveness off the edge and his ability to generate pressure on the quarterback have been evident throughout his career. However, injuries and limited playing time have hindered his development thus far. With a fresh start in Minnesota, Davenport has the opportunity to make a significant impact. Since trading away Za’darius Smith, it opens an opportunity for someone to step in and make an impact along side Danielle Hunter. Davenport is already listed as the starting outside linebacker opposite of Hunter according the ESPN and if he can stay healthy and unlock his full potential, the Vikings’ pass rush could become a force to be reckoned with in 2023.
Conclusion:
As the 2023 NFL season approaches, the Minnesota Vikings are counting on the emergence of breakout candidates to propel their team to new heights. Jordan Addison, Mekhi Blackmon, and Marcus Davenport are three players who have the potential to make a lasting impact on the Vikings’ success this year.
Addison’s explosiveness and versatility as a wide receiver, Blackmon’s athleticism and instincts as a cornerback, and Davenport’s raw talent and pass-rushing ability create a sense of excitement and anticipation for Vikings fans. While it remains to be seen how these players will fare in the upcoming season, all signs point to their ability to contribute significantly to the team’s success.
As the Vikings prepare to kick off the 2023 season, keep a close eye on these three breakout candidates. Their performances could be pivotal in determining the team’s journey towards success and potentially propel the Minnesota Vikings to new heights in the highly competitive NFL landscape.
