Disappointing. That’s the word Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell used to describe his rookie season in the NFL.
“There’s always room to get better so I’ll come back ready next year, hungry, and make my plays,” Treadwell said, via Vikings.com.
After being drafted in the first round by Minnesota, Treadwell was expected to develop into one of Sam Bradford’s top options, much like rookie receivers Michael Thomas, Tyreek Hill, Will Fuller, Tyler Boyd and Sterling Shepard did with the Saints, Chiefs, Texans, Bengals and Giants. But it never happened.
Treadwell finished the season with one catch for 15 yards. After watching on the sidelines the first 11 weeks of the season, Treadwell played 34 snaps but went without a catch in Minnesota’s Thanksgiving Day loss to the Lions. Two weeks later he hurt his ankle against Jacksonville and that was the end for him. He thinks the injury kept fans from seeing what he’s capable of doing.
“I was feeling more comfortable and they were ready to put me out there,” Treadwell said Monday. “I just went down on special teams. That’s a tough break for me, but I’ve got to get healthy and come back ready.”
Minnesota’s passing options aren’t certain headed into the offseason. Top pass catchers Stefon Diggs and Kyle Rudolph are under contract, but Adam Thielen is set to become a restricted free agent. The likes of Cordarrelle Patterson (free agent), Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright never really moved the needle in the passing game, making Treadwell’s Year 2 emergence even more important.
“I’m just ready for year two and I’m motivated to go into this offseason and get better and come back and just show everybody what I’m capable of and what type of style I play and my natural God-given ability.
“Next year, it’ll be a lot better for me and I’m looking forward to it.”
