2016 NFL Draft Profile: WR Laquon Treadwell

In this 2016 NFL Draft profile, we look at the strengths and weaknesses of wide receiver Laquon Treadwell out of Mississippi.

Treadwell has shown to be one of Ole Miss greatest recruits as the wide receiver was a five-star recruit, consensus All-American and overall No.1 receiver prospect in the country. Treadwell was headed towards immediate success as the young wide out was the top Freshmen in the SEC in 2013.

During his Sophomore campaign at Ole Miss, Treadwell hit a speed bump suffering a broken fibula against Auburn during the last month of the season. He finished the year with 48 catches for 632 yards and five touchdowns in nine games. Despite his injury, Treadwell worked harder than any other college athlete losing 25 pounds and was active for the 2015 season opener.

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

As the season went on, Treadwell continued to gain confidence in his surgically repaired leg as he finished 2015 with 82 catches for 1,153 yards and 11 scores. He finished the year as a Biletnikoff award finalist, All-American (Second team Walter Camp, third team AP) and first-team ALL-SEC pick by league coaches.

The highlight of his 2015 season has to be his final game with Ole Miss where Treadwell recorded three touchdowns against Oklahoma State in the Rebel’s Sugar Bowl victory. Treadwell currently stands at 6’2 and weighs in at 221 lbs. Has 9 1/2″ hands and a 33 3/8″ arm length. He recorded a 33.0 inch vertical jump, 117.0 inch broad jump and recorded 12 reps on the bench press. He’s not the biggest receiver but his talent has earned him the ranking of the best wide out in this year’s draft.

STRENGTHS

For a wide out he has good height and length. Intelligent receiver who has a competitive edge when the ball is up in the air. Has a feel for defenders and is very careful to work back to throws while shielding corners from the ball.

Treadwell has great body control and manages to work his way over defenders to make the big catches. Rarely gives away the location of the ball with early movements when sprinting down the field with corners. Clean footwork and is able to stagger and stutter while working through his routes. Understands positioning in space and allows his quarterback the cleanest possible throws. Has a solid stiff arm after the catch that allows additional RAC yards, and is willing to block if needed.

WEAKNESSES

Doesn’t have that vertical speed to scare corners. Cornerbacks will crowd his underneath routes from off-man coverage. Struggled to free himself from press coverage against LSU’s Tre’Davious White and could face separation issues in the NFL against speedy corners. Takes some time to hit the brakes once he gets his speed up. Could be more physical in his release against press. Had more focus drops in 2015 than over previous two seasons. Suffered a season ending injury in November of 2014 with a broken fibula and dislocated ankle.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

DRAFT DAY PREDICTION

Overall, Treadwell has to improve his speed if he wants to burn opposing corners on the deep ball. No. 16 and No. 15 make sense. The Los Angeles Rams at No.15 are in need of multiple offensive positions. Quarterback, wide receiver and tight end are their top needs on offense.

If the Rams pass on a quarterback in the first round, Treadwell would make sense for them. No. 16 to the Detroit Lions is a more realistic destination for Treadwell. With Calvin Johnson officially retired, Detroit could be in the market for his possible replacement. Treadwell paired with Matthew Stafford and Golden Tate could become a dangerous trio in the NFC North.

More jets: 2016 NFL Draft Profile: RB Derrick Henry

Overall, this receiver draft class isn’t as deep as previous ones but Treadwell should find himself selected somewhere in the middle of the first round in this year’s draft.

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