The Top Three
Stefon Diggs, Adam Thielen, and Laquon Treadwell are all locks to make the Vikings’ final 2019 roster. Last season all three set career highs for receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.
Still, for many, the inclusion of Treadwell on this list may be a surprise. The highest drafted receiver on the roster, Minnesota selected Treadwell with the 23rd pick in the first round in 2016.
To add a little salt to the wound, there were six wide receivers drafted after him in 2016 who now have more career receptions in the NFL including Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints.
There is no upside for the Vikings to part ways with Treadwell this year unless they can find someone willing to trade for him. The prospects that a team would be willing to part with anything for a former first-round draft pick with only 56 catches and one touchdown in three seasons are not very good.
On the positive side, and there is one if you look closely, Treadwell is coming off the best year of this short career with 35 receptions for 302 yards and that one touchdown in 2018.
Also, with Minnesota failing to pick up the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, Treadwell lost the opportunity to make more than $10 million in 2020 and he will be playing for his next contract during the upcoming season.
Perhaps that will provide enough motivation for some improved play from him this season.