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For the second time in three years, the Minnesota Vikings have been the beneficiaries of a "bad" Pro Day workout by a prospect that has widely been regarded as the best at his position in his draft class. It happened with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in 2014, and now it has happened with someone who will, hopefully, be his favorite target for many seasons to come.
Laquon Treadwell
- Date of Birth: 14 June 1995 (20 years old)
- College: University of Mississippi
- Drafted: First round, #23 overall
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 210 lbs
- Career Highlights: 2015 First Team All-SEC
- Twitter Handle: @SuccessfulQuon
With the 23rd pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings have selected Laquon Treadwell, the big wide receiver out of the University of Mississippi. He was considered the top wide receiver prospect in this year's draft class for most of the pre-draft process, and now he will be making his way to Minnesota.
Treadwell was a top freshman in the SEC upon arriving in Oxford, and looked to continue down the same road as a sophomore when he suffered a devastating injury against Auburn. On a play where he got tackled from behind at the 1-yard line, he came down awkwardly on a tackle, suffering a dislocated ankle and a broken tibia. Still, he managed to work his way back into shape to be ready for the 2015 season opener, and played a big role in the Rebels taking down eventual National Champion Alabama in during the regular season. He finished the season with 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns on 82 catches, being named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award.
At his Pro Day in late March, Treadwell posted a 40-yard dash time of 4.63 seconds (after failing to run at the 2016 Scouting Combine). But the deep game hasn't really been Treadwell's strength, and the Vikings have guys that can handle that role. What Treadwell is going to be expected to do is to make contested catches and to come down with "50/50" throws from Bridgewater. . .something that the Vikings have been lacking since Sidney Rice left town following the 2010 season.
Welcome to Minnesota, Laquon Treadwell!