Minnesota Vikings: Re-drafting the team’s last 6 first-round picks

2016, No. 23 Overall

Original Pick: Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss
Re-draft Pick: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State (No. 47 overall)

Looking back on this one, it was a huge miscalculation on the Vikings’ part. I’ll admit I was content with the way Minnesota went — I thought Laquon Treadwell was a star in the marking, and Michael Thomas was overrated. Obviously I was wrong on both counts.

Instead, Treadwell failed to take flight, struggling to get on the field and even catch the ball when it came his way. Meanwhile, Thomas has quickly developed into an All-Pro and superstar for the New Orleans Saints. There’s no denying he’s among the league’s best receivers at this moment.

This one was a no-brainer.

The Vikings needed an upgrade at receiver at the time, and hoped Treadwell could use his imposing frame and knack for making big plays to get the job done. As we all know, though, that was far from the case. Now, he’s just hoping he can revive his career with the Atlanta Falcons. In my opinion, the odds of that happening are slim to none.

Thomas wearing the horns would be a dream come true, even with Thielen still on the roster. I know I already went with Adams earlier, but it’s anyone’s guess what may have happened with the Vikings’ receiving unit since. Teaming those two would return Minnesota to something like the good ol’ days of Randy Moss and Cris Carter carving up opposing secondaries.