Minnesota Vikings: 5 players who need to step up in 2019
By Tim Arcand
Laquon Treadwell – WR
It is a stretch putting wide receiver Laquon Treadwell on this list—the odds of him making the final roster could be very long, especially with the Vikings declining the fifth-year option of his contract for 2020.
As pointed out earlier, Minnesota’s roster currently includes 11 wide receivers, more than any other position. A first-round draft pick of the Vikings in 2016, Treadwell has done a lot, or more accurately very little on the field, to replace Troy Williamson as one the biggest first-round busts in franchise history.
Williamson had the unfortunate timing of being selected immediately after Randy Moss’ departure from Minnesota. In three seasons with the Vikings, Williamson played in 39 games, starting 22 of them. He caught 79 passes for 1,067 yards and three touchdowns.
Compare that to Treadwell’s three seasons with 15 starts in 40 games, 56 receptions for 527 yards and only a single touchdown.
Minnesota practically gave the third wide receiver spot to him this past season when they allowed Jarius Wright to leave and sign with the Carolina Panthers. Treadwell did start seven games last season, making 35 receptions and hauling in his first career touchdown.
In order for Treadwell to make the Vikings’ 2019 roster, he will have to prove that he was worthy of a first-round draft pick. He must outplay a Minnesota roster of receivers that includes a fifth-round draft pick, two seventh-round draft picks and seven players that went undrafted. If he cannot do that, then his career might fade as fast as Williamson’s.