In spite of the rumors of a possible trade back by General Manager Rick Spielman, the Vikings held firm at 23, and made the pick that most had anticipated in wide receiver Laquon Treadwell of Ole Miss. The ultra-physical 6’2 receiver will step in immediately and be that chain-moving possession receiver that we haven’t seen in Minnesota since the days of Cris Carter. In addition to his pass-catching prowess, Treadwell brings a special skill-set that makes him an even better match for the Vikings, his ability to block.
“He (Treadwell) is probably the best blocking wide receiver I’ve seen in quite some time. He will be able to help us in a lot of different ways,” Mike Zimmer stated in an interview with KFAN following the draft.
Blocking may appear to be an overrated skill set to possess for a wide receiver, but when you take into account the power running offense that we employ in order to set up the pass, its importance cannot be overstated. Add to that the fact that most receivers see blocking as a chore and not an integral part of the game makes Treadwell stick out even more amongst his peers.
Treadwell understands the nuances of the position, another trait that sets him apart from the pack. Unable to get by with pure speed, Treadwell is instead left to separate from DB’s using precision footwork and quick hands to battle for position during his routes. Once the ball is in the air, Treadwell uses excellent body control and ball skills to come down with contested catches.
More important than anything else, though, is the fact that Treadwell is tenacious and exhibits an unending desire to win, something that he will do whatever it takes to make sure of accomplishing. Even if that means being a decoy to help a fellow receiver get open, or clearing space for Adrian Peterson, it’s all for the same goal. In fact, shortly after Treadwell was picked, Peterson reached out to his new teammate via Twitter and told him to keep that winning mindset as the goal is a championship. With the addition of Laquon Treadwell, the Vikings are that much closer to one.
Follow Jake Przytarski @Jake_Przytarski
