Former Vikings first-round pick is a ‘star’ at Jaguars training camp
By Adam Patrick
Former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell has apparently been looking impressive this summer for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Earlier this year, former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell was able to earn a contract from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The former Vikings first-round draft pick has struggled since entering the NFL in 2016, and some didn’t even think he would end up finding a team to sign him this year after another disappointing season in 2020 as a member of the Atlanta Falcons.
But the Jaguars were willing to give Treadawell a shot, and it sounds like he’s making the most of his opportunity this summer.
Former Minnesota Vikings receiver Laquon Treadwell performing well for Jacksonville Jaguars
During his four years with Minnesota, Treadwell was never able to finish a single season with more than 35 catches, 305 yards, or one touchdown.
Based on the buzz that has been surrounding him this summer during Jacksonville’s training camp, however, he might be able to set some new career-highs in 2021.
some jaguars quarterback hits LAQUON TREADWELL for a huge play in camp pic.twitter.com/ykchszfPVz
— Jack O’Brien (@JackOBrienNFL) August 8, 2021
"Laquon Treadwell looks like a playmaker. Minshew said that Treadwell has been his “go-to guy.” Treadwell seems to make plays every day and is constantly open. Outside of a few overthrown balls, I have not seen him drop a single pass." https://t.co/sgYlwtCcMy
— NFL Beat Writers (@32BeatWriters) August 6, 2021
Former first-round pick Laquon Treadwell says he hired a mental coach before joining #Jaguars, helping him “get to where he wants to be”
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) August 7, 2021
Has been a star of Training Camp so far pic.twitter.com/Hcc3d9nrGP
The word “star” is not something that has been used in the same sentence as Treadwell since he entered the league in 2016.
He has struggled to live up to the expectations that came with being a first-round draft pick, but it sounds like the 26-year-old receiver might’ve finally found a place that can bring out the best in him.
Currently, the Jaguars have a total of 14 wide receivers on their roster. So there are a lot of guys, including Treadwell, competing for only a handful of spots.
On Saturday, the former Vikings first-round pick talked about how things are different for him right now compared to earlier in his career.
"“I do feel different. My mindset is different. My body is different. Just my focus is a lot different from years before. I don’t [worry too much] about anything else but what’s in front of me [and] where I’m at right now.”"
Treadwell also shared that he hired a mental coach before he even signed with Jacksonville to help him maintain his focus on improving and to make sure he’s not worrying about what other people might be saying about him.
If his performance continues to impress the Jaguars during the team’s three preseason matchups this year, it sounds like his chances of making their final 2021 roster are likely pretty high.
However, with other receivers like DJ Chark, Marvin Jones, and Laviska Shenault also on Jacksonville’s roster this year, Treadwell still might find it difficult to get on the field even if he does end up being part of the team’s final 53 players.
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For someone that headed into this summer’s Jaguars camp without many expectations, just making the team’s final roster is something that he can view as an accomplishment. And if he gets a chance to play for Jacksonville during the 2021 season, it seems like his chances of achieving success are as good as they’ve ever been during his NFL career.