The Minnesota Vikings were expected to be a part of the run on wide receivers in the first round and that’s exactly the direction the team decided to go. Laquon Treadwell, who was widely considered to be the top WR prospect prior to his pro day, winds up as the fourth wideout off the board.
The #Vikings select WR Laquon Treadwell at No. 23. They believe he'll only get faster a year removed from a gruesome leg injury.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 29, 2016
Treadwell’s stock took a hit after he ran a 4.64 forty-yard dash at his pro day. While he was criticized for the slow time, he’s not a receiver who wins with speed. The Vikings clearly realized this and understand that he can create separation physically and with elite route running. He’s an absolute steal at this point in the draft and will help Teddy Bridgewater progress as a quarterback. This is the pick we’ll look back on in five years and think “how did Treadwell fall all the way to the 23rd overall pick?”
Here’s a look at what the Vikings are getting according to NFL Mocks writer David Holmes.
"The 2016 draft figures to once again be strong at the wide receiver position with Laquon Treadwell leading the way. Standing at 6’2, 210 pounds, Treadwell possess the ideal size for the position. With his stature, he uses this size to his advantage to out-muscle the smaller, less physical corners he faces. Treadwell attacks the ball with his terrific hands; he plucks the ball out of the air at its highest point making him nearly unstoppable in one on one jump ball scenarios.Once he has the ball in his hands is where Treadwell does most of his damage. He has the ability to make you miss in the open field, but also runs angry and isn’t afraid of contact. Speaking of contact, Treadwell is the best, most physical wide receiver coming out of college football. He has no problem with putting his head down and laying out defenders to spring a teammate for a big gain."