4 bold predictions for the Vikings preseason matchup vs. the Seahawks

A Cousins-to-Treadwell connection won’t go as planned

For a professional football player in his third season (he was a first-round draft pick in 2016), Laquon Treadwell has shown nothing to fans during games.

Vikings coaches gave Treadwell the job as the team’s third receiver last year and he replied with 20 catches for 200 yards. That was 19 more catches than he had in his rookie season.

Minnesota Vikings

On Friday, Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins may be looking for Treadwell to create separation from a Seattle defensive back. But Vikings signal callers and coaches have been looking for the same thing from the receiver for the last two seasons.

It may not seem a “bold” prediction, but it’s truly doubtful you will see Treadwell somewhere–anywhere–in the open field of the Seahawks’ defense on Friday night.

Treadwell entered the NFL from the University of Mississippi with some hype about his strength, downfield blocking and ability to win “50-50” balls. However, the big problem was that he ran a 4.65 40-yard dash at the NFL combine.

For a 6-foot-2, 215 pound NFL wide receiver, that’s turtle-slow.

Unfortunately, for disappointed Vikings fans, Treadwell has been as advertised from his performance at the Scouting Combine two years ago. He has shown no speed to pass corners in man or zone coverage and he has hardly compensated that with quickness, savvy, or route-running.

Treadwell will show little on Friday to change the minds of those doubting his future as the Vikings’ third receiver.

– Mike Greitzer