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NFL Draft: Laquon Treadwell will not run at combine (Report)

By Dan Zinski

Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) celebrates his ten-yard touchdown catch against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) celebrates his ten-yard touchdown catch against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second quarter of the 2016 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL draft wide receiver prospect Laquon Treadwell has reportedly decided not to run at this week’s Scouting Combine.

Arguably the #1 wide receiver prospect in this year’s draft has decided not to show off his speed (or lack thereof) in front of scouts this week, and that could actually be good news for the Minnesota Vikings.

According to reports, Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell has declined the opportunity to run the 40 at the combine and experts think this could adversely affect his standing with NFL scouts.

Mel Kiper explained via the Clarion-Ledger:

"“Laquon Treadwell is the top receiver,” Kiper said. “If he runs well, maybe he’s a top 10 pick. If not, probably top 15 to top 20. He’s one to watch (at the combine).”"

But he’s no longer one to watch because, as I said, he won’t be at the combine.

Not saying the Vikings are necessarily looking to take a wide receiver at #23, but if they are thinking about going that way, Treadwell would probably have to really disappoint scouts in order to be one of the receivers available at that spot.

Right now it appears the Vikings’ best receiver options at 23 would be Josh Doctson of TCU, Michael Thomas of Ohio State and Will Fuller of Notre Dame.

The 6-2, 210-pound Treadwell is viewed now as a potential top-15 pick and has drawn comparisons to Dez Bryant and Alshon Jeffery. Dane Brugler of CBS Sports said:

"Treadwell has exceptional ball skills and catching radius with strong hands to pluck away from his body or scoop off his shoelaces. He isn’t a sudden athlete, but plays with athletic twitch and power to be a threat after the catch."

It’s not known why Treadwell is reportedly skipping the 40 at the combine but speculation is that he wants to work to improve his time before running the 40 later at Ole Miss pro day.

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The Vikings don’t necessarily need a speed demon at receiver, but it would be helpful for them to have a big player who can make plays on the ball. Maybe if Teddy Bridgewater had someone who consistently fought for and hauled in inaccurate passes, he would develop more of a cut-it-loose mentality.

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