A return of our Summer Scouting Series here at Steelers Depot as we highlight several 2023 NFL Draft hopefuls that are generating buzz prior to the start of the 2022 CFB season at positions that the Pittsburgh Steelers may have interest in several months from now once the pre-draft process gets underway.
#3 Jordan Addison, WR, USC (Junior) – 6’0, 175lb
The Good
— Has average height but great arm length for the position
— Possesses the play strength to make contested catches and win jump balls
— Can contort his body in the air to make impressive circus catches
— Has good play speed and explosiveness for the position
— Can beat defensive backs vertically down the field as a seam stretcher
— Can elevate into the air to come down with the jump ball
— Does a good job putting the defender in a bind before coming out of his brakes
— Will get on a defender’s toes before breaking out of his route, not telegraphing where he is going before he breaks out of his route
— Does a good job stemming his routes, getting leverage on the DB in coverage or breaking in a way to get separation
— Can win with the ball in his hands both on quick screens, slants/crossers over the middle, and on the deep ball by creating after the catch
— Possesses good quickness and change of direction ability to evade defenders in the open field as a runner
— Does a good job on the scramble drill to find open space or to adjust his route as his QB extends the play
— Brings the skill set of a viable punt returner to the table
— A willing blocker despite his thin frame
The Bad
— Possesses a thin, frail frame for NFL standards
— Didn’t face much press man coverage his first two seasons
— Has good speed, but doesn’t possess that rare second gear as a receiver
— Can be more nuanced as a route runner to set up defenders as well as have more crisp breaks to limit recovery time by DBs
— Pad level gets high at times right before he breaks
— Did most of his damage in the slot compared to the outside during his breakout season, raising questions as to whether he can consistently win outside as a WR1
— Has a notable drop issue, dropping 10+ passes the last two seasons and posting a 11.