Laquon Treadwell is mentally prepared for the 2018 Vikings season

The Minnesota Vikings will expect more from Laquon Treadwell during the 2018 NFL season and the receiver is better prepared according to coach Mike Zimmer.

The NFL is a tough place to play. Many players who were considered to be a no-brainer to be a star in the league have failed to stay relevant and others have emerged from nowhere to make a massive impact. For Minnesota Vikings receiver Laquon Treadwell, his third season could be a big difference from his first two campaigns.

Through his first two years with the team, Treadwell has only caught 21 passes for 215 yards and has failed to make enough of an impact to make up for the first round draft selection that Minnesota used to select him in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The third season for Treadwell is an important one because the team will need to make a decision on his fifth-year option and could also make the call on whether to move forward with the receiver or look to replace him in free agency or an upcoming draft.

On Wednesday, Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer spoke about Treadwell and believes he might have a better mindset entering the 2018 NFL season and his statement was shared on VikingsWire by USA Today.

Minnesota Vikings

"“It is important anytime you are in your third year, it’s important. Today, he had two really nice catches in the red zone. He is continuing to get better. I think he stopped being so hard on himself and just letting it flow now. I think that is part of it.”"

While Treadwell won’t start in 2018 because of the excellent play of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, Treadwell’s size and ability could make him an interesting option in the red zone, particularly in sets with other big targets like Kyle Rudolph and his solid blocking ability can make him an asset even if the ball doesn’t end up in his hands.

Expectations should still be tapered for Treadwell. A season with 300 yards and 3 touchdowns would be considered a huge step in the right direction, and with Zimmer’s positive words about his development, this could be a year when the former University of Mississippi star takes another step toward being a factor in the Minnesota offense.

Next: Who could be the Vikings' third receiver in 2018?

As it stands, Treadwell could be the team’s third or fourth receiver. However, he should see the field enough to be able to make an impact this season. Whether or not he can take advantage of those opportunities during the 2018 NFL season.