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Laquon Treadwell: Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidate?

By Paul Bellesen

Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell catches a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ole Miss Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell catches a pass during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Looking ahead to the upcoming season, could Laquon Treadwell be in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year?

This offseason, there was a lot made about what the Vikings were going to do at wide receiver situation. Laquon Treadwell is the answer.

Stefon Diggs was a breakout player last year after being a fifth round draft pick that most slept on.  But is he a legitimate WR1? Diggs did put together an impressive year last season, but the Vikings need a big, physical wide out who can be a reliable target for third year quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

The Vikings chose to jump on wide out Laquon Treadwell when he fell to them in the first round. Treadwell has all the tools to be the exact kind of player the Vikings need.

Treadwell has put in a lot of work this offseason. He has been seen staying after practice working with the JUGS machine and working hard to learn the playbook.

Treadwell is known for his explosiveness off the line and precise route running. Despite not having top end straight line speed, Treadwell’s other qualities will help him succeed as an NFL wide out.

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    • In the first preseason game in Cincinnati, Treadwell showed his route running should be something that quarterback Teddy Bridgewater can rely on as well as his large catch radius.

    NFL analyst Gil Brandt put together his list of players who he thinks will be in line to become candidates for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

    Like most, Brandt has Cowboys rookie running back Ezekiel Elliot as his first place candidate. Running behind the Dallas Cowboys top offensive line is a dream situation for any running back. That line helped Demarco Murray win the rushing title two years back, and Darren McFadden rush for over 1000 yards last year. So it is easy to see why Elliot is the prospected winner.

    Coming in next, Brandt has Treadwell. Here is what he has to say about him.

    "The tough and competitive Treadwell will try to bury you in blocking. He plays much faster than his timed speed. As I’ve said before, Treadwell reminds me of Michael Irvin. He’ll catch the quick slant to move the chains. He runs very good routes, has great athleticism and excels at tracking the ball over his shoulder. The all-time leading pass catcher at Ole Miss is off to a bit of a slow start, given that he didn’t start Minnesota’s preseason opener. But I think the Vikings drafted him to be the Irvin of their team, and I think he can come through. I fully expect Treadwell to establish himself as a big part of coordinator Norv Turner’s offense."

    Brandt has first hand knowledge when comparing Treadwell to Michael Irvin, as he worked for the Dallas Cowboys for many years.

    Treadwell has the opportunity to become the WR1 that the Vikings need. He will be a serious red zone threat and will help this team move the chains.

    Next: Adrian Peterson in line for Another Top Fantasy Season

    A rookie season with 800 yards, and 6 touchdowns could be in play for Treadwell as he should get plenty of work as he builds chemistry with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. We wil have to revisit this after the season.

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