Charles Johnson can play, Laquon Treadwell can learn

Charles Johnson has looked good so far in camp, and that gives the Vikings the luxury of bringing Laquon Treadwell along slowly.

Maybe the Vikings don’t need Laquon Treadwell to be ready right away.

Treadwell will eventually be an important player for the Vikings but the re-emergence of Charles Johnson could give the Vikes the luxury of limiting Treadwell’s role at first, giving him a chance to learn without too much pressure being put on his shoulders.

It was hard to gauge how much impact Johnson might have this year coming off a season where he was injured and, thanks in large part to the arrival of Stefon Diggs, completely lost his place in the offense.

Johnson came into camp needing to prove himself all over again and it appears he is doing just that. He has been running with the ones a lot and reporters at camp say he looks to have returned to his 2014 form.

If you ask Johnson, there’s no doubt who should be starting at the X receiver spot come opening day (via St. Paul Pioneer-Press):

"“I feel like I’m that guy,’’ Johnson said. “I feel like I should be a starter on this team.’’"

Reviews of Laquon Treadwell’s performance have been more mixed so far. Though Treadwell certainly looks the part of an NFL receiver, observers say his game needs some work before he is ready to roll.

Fans certainly want to see Treadwell out there, but patience should be exercised when it comes to the rookie.

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The Vikings have shown that they have no problem limiting a rookie’s role in order to get him fully ready before throwing him into the fire. If Johnson really is back to where he was in 2014 when he unexpectedly burst upon the scene, the Vikes will be in a great position to bring Treadwell along at their own pace while still having a receiver out there at split-end who can make some plays.

Eventually, Treadwell will be the starter and Johnson will be the one seeing a lighter workload. And the Vikings will be better for their having been afforded the opportunity to groom Treadwell.