Laquon Treadwell, Minnesota Vikings
We end the list with another player in the mold of John Ross/DeVante Parker. Laquon Treadwell marks another receiver who hasn’t lived up to the hype yet in his short NFL career. However, he certainly still has fans in the draft community and could be an excellent buy-low candidate.
In his three NFL seasons, Teadwell has caught 56 passes for 517 yards and one touchdown. He has functioned as an afterthought behind both Stefon Diggs and Adam Theilen. With Aldrick Robinson catching five touchdowns in 2018, it’s more likely he is resigned rather than Treadwell receiving another opportunity.
However, despite his poor start, like Ross and Parker, Treadwell was a favorite of Mike Mayock during the draft process. Mayock ranked Treadwell as the number one receiver and 23rd overall player in the 2016 draft class. He also predicted Treadwell would be drafted 23rd overall by the Minnesota Vikings in his annual mock, the spot he was actually selected in the actual 2016 NFL Draft.
When Treadwell was selected, Maycok wrote:
He’s a natural hands catcher and will win 50-50 balls. (Treadwell is) also one of the best blocking wide receivers in this draft. He’s physical, tough and has great hands. I think the Vikings got a winner.
Outside of just Mayock, other NFL Draft analysts like Treadwell’s game coming out of Ole Miss. Bleacher Report’s NFL Draft team compared Treadwell to Anquan Boldin and assigned him a first round grade. The site wrote:
When the ball is in the air, Treadwell tracks it well over either shoulder. He can adjust his body to make basket catches and will also contort to turn back and leap over cornerbacks to pluck the ball off their backs. He’s like a power forward fighting for a rebound when the ball goes up. In the red zone, Treadwell can be a nightmare for defenders. He’s tall, long (33 ⅜-inch arms) and physical. A quarterback who can even get it close will love Treadwell’s ability to score touchdowns.
Treadwell may not have the hype that Ross or Parker does, however, he has shown in the past that he still has potential. Perhaps the right change of scenery and a new opportunity can help unlock his first-round traits.
In Oakland he would be given that opportunity as he would likely be a starter. While he may not be Amari Cooper, there is a chance the Raiders can get the college version of Laquon Treadwell.
If Mayock is able to reunite with his former first round pick, there is a chance the Raiders find a diamond in the rough at a very cheap price.
