Re-grading the Minnesota Vikings’ 2016 rookie class

Round 1

Laquon Treadwell – WR (Ole Miss)

Treadwell’s career line with the Vikings isn’t overly impressive. He’s totaled just 56 receptions for 517 yards and one touchdown during his three seasons in Minnesota. Some receivers in the NFL have put up similar numbers in just half a season.

What hasn’t helped Treadwell is the emergence of both Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen since 2016. If the Vikings knew what they had in those two, they probably wouldn’t have used the 23rd pick on this big receiver out of Mississippi.

Treadwell has also suffered a mild case of the dropsies and lost the confidence of the coaching staff during his tenure with Minnesota. He has been a bust so far and a change of scenery might be best for both him and the Vikings this year.

Grade: 2/5

Round 2

Mackensie Alexander – CB (Clemson)

Alexander had a bit of a rough start to his professional football career. He appeared in 13 games as a rookie, but he made just five tackles and he looked lost and out of place on the field more often than not.

Alexander improved a little in year two with the Vikings. The young Minnesota corner played in 14 games in 2017 and ended up with 17 tackles and one interception. Alexander’s technique was a mess though, as he was often flagged for pass interference.

It wasn’t until his third year in the Twin Cities that the lights finally came on for this former Clemson Tiger. Alexander started six games for the Vikings last season and his coverage was much improved as he tallied a total of 43 tackles.

He truly blossomed as a blitzer in 2018, ending up with four sacks coming in off the edge. Alexander’s improvement last season was big for Minnesota, especially since they have a decision to make on Trae Waynes this year.

If Alexander continues to improve it may make the team feel better if they actually end up letting Waynes go.

Grade: 2.75/4