With Vikings training camp underway, here are two Vikings players to watch: WR Laquon Treadwell and second-year cornerback Trae Waynes.
Laquon Treadwell
The Vikings first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft went to Ole Miss receiver Laquon Treadwell in what many consider to be solid pick that fills a glaring need. With a prototypical wide receiver frame and vice-grip like hands, many believe that he can make an impact right out of the gate. While I’m inclined to agree, it might be best to pump the brakes on that until we see more in training camp and preseason.
During training camp, Treadwell will be given a crash course in what to expect from physical cornerbacks in the NFL, and that means he will be squaring off against veteran corner Xavier Rhodes. Rhodes is no stranger to big, physical receivers as he has been going up against Calvin Johnson and Alshon Jeffery every year since being drafted. Think of this matchup as Treadwell’s first real test, as Rhodes can humble some of the best veterans in the game, making a matchup against a rookie seem like a piece of cake.
More important than getting open against the Vikings stable of cornerbacks will be Treadwell’s ability to build a rapport with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Timing on routes must be honed in order to make this a successful tandem.
Trae Waynes
After drafting cornerback Trae Waynes with the 11th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, it was a bit of a let down when his only contributions this past season were on special teams. Given Mike Zimmer’s “cornerback whisperer” reputation, it was a necessary gradual introduction into the NFL instead of the “trial by fire” introduction Rhodes was given under former Head Coach Leslie Frazier.
Towards the end of last season, Waynes was given an increase in playing time while sitting behind veteran Terrance Newman on the depth chart. With Newman turning 38 in September, there’s no doubt as to who is expected to take over the corner position opposite Rhodes in the future. How soon he takes over that position is up to Waynes.
Training Camp will be a good barometer to see how much he has improved with sticking to his man, and not relying on grabbing as rookie corners are inclined to do. With elite speed and athleticism, there’s no reason to think that Waynes can’t earn the job during camp if his fundamentals improve. The coaching staff wants Waynes to earn the job, but they’re not just going to hand it over.
