Laquon Treadwell: Focus drops are a concern for Vikings WR
By Dan Zinski
Laquon Treadwell has been doing extra work with the JUGS machine after struggling with drop issues during OTA practices.
Vikings first-rounder Laquon Treadwell was considered one of the more pro-ready receivers going into the draft, but even his staunchest advocates had to admit there were aspects of his game that needed work.
Everyone fixated on Treadwell’s slow forty time during the build-up to the draft, but another perceived weakness for the receiver was his propensity to drop passes due to lapses in focus. This issue came up in Dane Brugler’s scouting report, and also in Lance Zierlein’s. Zierlein noted that Treadwell seemed to struggle in this area in 2015 more than in previous seasons.
It pains me to report that Treadwell appears to still be struggling with drops. According to the St. Paul Pioneer-Press, Treadwell let a lot of passes hit the ground during OTA practices and the rookie had to do extra work with the JUGS machine in hopes of correcting the issue.
Vikings cornerback Captain Munnerlyn (who lately has been doing a lot of positive spin-work for the team, if you’ve noticed) gave Treadwell credit for being willing to put in the extra time:
"“We just need him to catch them when it counts the most, but you got to work on it,’’ Munnerlyn said. “If he dropped those passes, he went to the Juggs after practice. He stayed a long time catching balls and working on his hands and everything. He’s young and he’s got a lot to learn, but I like the kid because he’s willing to work and he wants to work.’’"
I don’t think work ethic was a concern with Treadwell going into the draft, nor was physical ability (outside of the speed thing). Clearly the kid is talented and he’s obviously willing to put in the work.
(I won’t comment on his fashion sense here, though that has raised some eyebrows in recent days as well.)
I’m not sure how concerned we should be about Treadwell’s apparent issue with focus drops at this early date, but I think it is legitimate to ask whether Treadwell is really as pro-ready as some of us were led to believe.
If Treadwell isn’t ready to take on a large role when the season starts in September? The Vikings might be in a spot of trouble offensively. Treadwell wasn’t drafted to be a slow-developer who eventually contributes. He was drafted to come in early and be a big part of the passing game.
That dream of Stefon Diggs pairing with Treadwell to create a dynamic young receiving duo will remain a dream until Treadwell proves that he can do it on the field. Until then, your dynamic duo might be Diggs and Charles Johnson.
Not exactly what we had in mind.
Treadwell’s struggles for right now are only a minor news item (much like his taste in hats). Let’s hope that, come September, they do not become a major news item.