Laquon Treadwell: Is He In Danger Of Slipping Down Boards?
By Erik Lambert
Ever since the 2015 college football season ended, most NFL draft experts have agreed that Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell sat at the top of his position group. His mix of size and clear playmaking ability made that apparent. However, as time as gone by some have begun to cool on him. Fears linger that his lack of speed and explosion could become a problem against pro level corners. Fears that have since been enhanced by a rather quiet pro day showing.
By the numbers: Michael Thomas (WR1) vs Laquon Treadwell (WR2) pic.twitter.com/yt8evyEX5y
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 28, 2016
Perhaps some might be blowing it a bit out of proportion. Other receivers with slow 40 times have gone on to have great career. Nonetheless, is there cause for concern? This question was posed to the rest of the Mocks crew and what their thoughts on the subject might be.
George Stockburger
Teams knew he wasn’t going to be the fastest receiver, so seeing him run in that range isn’t going to drop him too much. Probably a mid-first round pick.
Eric Robinson
His stock did not adjust in either direction. Going into draft season, the overall perception was that he is a WR with size and not known as a burner. Still fits after running a 4.6.
Jeff Olsen
His 40 time doesn’t change anything for me. I wasn’t expecting him to run a great time, he’s not a guy who wins with pure speed. He wins with crisp routes and good hands. More of a DeAndre Hopkins type of player who won’t wow anyone physically, but just gets it done.
Put simply there is a great tendency this time of year to blow things out of proportion based on pro day performances. Many feared Teddy Bridgewater wouldn’t be able to handle the NFL after he struggled during his at Louisville. Safe to say that wasn’t the case. Most merely saw what they expected to see from Laquon Treadwell down in Mississippi. If he’s going to make it in the pros, it won’t be by winning foot races.
Will teams in the top 15 be able to overlook that? Only they can answer that question for certain, but one thing is clear. Being faster would made it a far easier question to answer.