Minnesota Vikings rookie WR Laquon Treadwell ‘in a great spot’
By Adam Carlson
Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver recalls his draft day and looks forward to having a great career in what he calls ‘a great spot’ for him in Minnesota.
During the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, there wasn’t a big secret as to what the Minnesota Vikings were looking do draft. As one of the worst passing teams in the league the previous year, the squad would be looking to add a dynamic pass catcher to the fold to help out young quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
Related Story: Laquon Treadwell signs Vikings rookie deal
One by one, the wide receivers were getting pulled off the board before Minnesota got to select. At #15, the Browns grabbed Corey Coleman followed by Houston at #21 picking Will Fuller. With only Washington’s pick standing between them and being on the clock, the Vikings knew they would land either TCU’s Josh Doctson or Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.
The Redskins used their pick on Doctson, leaving Treadwell to be there for the picking. At one time, Treadwell was considered a lock to be a top 10 draft pick, displaying many of the qualities necessary to be an elite talent. However, other teams saw valuable traits in the other pass catchers and leapfrogged him in the ranks.
But the Minnesota Vikings might have landed their ideal player when Treadwell was available. He provides a big target and brings a humble attitude to the group’s wide receiving corps. According to an article on NFL.com’s Path to the Draft, Treadwell got emotional during his draft day experience:
"“(Getting that call) was indescribable, everything I thought it would be,” he said. “Someone told I was going to cry and I said, ‘I don’t know.’ Then when it happened, I ended up crying. There were a lot of emotions, of course.”"
More from The Viking Age
- 6 biggest draft steals in Minnesota Vikings history
- Former Vikings first-round pick could reportedly return to NFC North
- Bears analyst has extremely embarrassing Kirk Cousins take
- 6 Vikings who (maybe) won’t make the 53-man roster in 2023
- Predicting what the Vikings will do in the 2023 NFL Draft based on 2022
But it in’t take long for that emotion to wear off and Laquon Treadwell to get to work. Between playbooks, positional techniques, and other subtleties, there is a lot to hone before the season starts:
"“There’s a lot to learn,” he said. “I’m learning more about the coaches, getting used to them and adapting. I’m just trying to prepare early. The organization is laidback but all about business.”"
Hearing the words “laid back” about any organization with a head coach like Mike Zimmer seems like a bit of a stretch, but that also ensures that will work hard and do everything possible to acheive his goals.
"“I’m in a great spot and looking forward to having a great career with the Vikings.”"
Next: Minnesota Vikings 2016 NFL Draft class
You can see rookie wide receiver Laquon Treadwell and the rest of the Minnesota Vikings this season when they look to defend the NFC North crown and hope to push for the ultimate goal in football: a Super Bowl victory.