Minnesota Vikings: 5 Bold predictions for the 2018 regular season
By Joe Kipp
5. Laquon Treadwell has breakout season
Everyone knows Laquon Treadwell has largely been a disappointment to this point in his short NFL career. Drafted in the first-round in 2016, he’s only amassed 21 receptions and 215 yards in two seasons. Needless to say, the third-year wide receiver is treading lightly in the ‘bust’ category.
But that doesn’t mean he has to be defined as such. Many players take a few years to adjust to the speed of the NFL, and rookies typically don’t see much playing time under Mike Zimmer. Based on this offseason, though, it seems the game is finally starting to slow down for Treadwell. He’s had a tremendous training camp and preseason, and looks to have the No. 3 receiver spot on lock-down. So what can fans expect from the former first-rounder in what should be a make-or-break season?
With a new quarterback in Kirk Cousins, a new offensive scheme with OC John DeFillipo, and a whirlwind of past criticism to light a fire in his ambition, Treadwell looks poised for a breakout year. A season of 45-50 catches for 600-700 yards seems very reasonable for a player who figures to be a large part of Minnesota’s plans on offense.