There’s no question that Laquon Treadwell has been a disappointed through his first two years in the NFL, but the former first-round pick is showing signs of blossoming into the star the Vikings thought he could become.
Treadwell has looked the part of a big-bodied red zone threat and possession receiver throughout training camp, and Kirk Cousins has been nothing but impressed.
“He had a great OTAs and minicamp, and he’s off to a great start at training camp. I’m excited to see what he grows into this year. He’s getting a lot of reps and a lot of looks,” Cousins said when asked about Treadwell last week.
If Treadwell, who had 20 catches for 200 yards last season, breaks out this season, he certainly won’t be the first wide receiver to do so in year three. The Fantasy Footballers did an awesome breakdown of receivers who erupted in their third year. Among them, these four really stand out.
Sidney Rice
- Year 1: 31 catches, 396 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Year 2: 15 catches, 141 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Year 3: 83 catches, 1,312 yards, 8 touchdowns
Dez Bryant
- Year 1: 45 catches, 561 yards, 6 touchdowns
- Year 2: 63 catches, 928 yards, 9 touchdowns
- Year 3: 92 catches, 1,382 yards, 12 touchdowns
Demaryius Thomas
- Year 1: 22 catches, 283 yards, 2 touchdowns
- Year 2: 32 catches, 551 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Year 3: 94 catches, 1,434 yards, 10 touchdowns
Devante Adams
- Year 1: 38 catches, 446 yards, 3 touchdowns
- Year 2: 50 catches, 483 yards, 1 touchdown
- Year 3: 75 catches, 997 yards, 12 touchdowns
In some cases a wide receiver won’t reach their star potential until even further down the road. For example, Jordy Nelson was a role player for the Packers for three seasons before becoming Aaron Rodgers’ go-to-guy in his fourth season when he finished with 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Treadwell was taken 23rd overall by the Vikings in the 2016 draft. He’s currently competing with Kendall Wright for reps, and if he continues to showcase his first-round talent, then he might be the next receiver added to the list of third-year breakouts.
