Drafting Treadwell over Michael Thomas...

[purplefaithful]

What Andrew Kramer had to say:

" There are examples like this in every draft. Saints receiver and No. 1 option Michael Thomas has surpassed the Vikings’ top 2016 pick, Laquon Treadwell, by a mile in their two NFL seasons. But the Ohio State product wasn’t what he is now coming out of college. He was the sixth receiver taken in that draft class behind Corey Coleman, Will Fuller, Josh Doctson, Treadwell and Sterling Shepard. There were reported concerns about Thomas’ route running and work ethic, but he’s seemingly grown immensely in both areas in New Orleans, where he caught 104 passes for 1,245 yards this season. Meanwhile, Treadwell attracted the Vikings’ attention with long arms, strong hands and an aggressive blocking style. But they want to see more explosion off the line, which he hasn’t shown in the NFL. Treadwell also hasn’t been a large part of the Vikings’ game plans, finishing fifth on the team with 20 catches (35 targets) for 200 yards. The emergence of No. 1 receiver Adam Thielen certainly helps dwarf Treadwell’s presence in Minnesota."

http://www.startribune.com/mailbag-why-d...468966023/

[Guest]

[Guest]

I wanted Thomas in that draft but thought round 1 would be over drafting, even though I liked him the best.

[Guest]

Ugh.  I still get irritated every time I see Treadwell on the field, because that means he's taking a spot from someone a lot more deserving simply because of where he was drafted.

There is no one else on the team who I feel is simply taking up space when they are out on the field.

[Guest]

It is interesting that the Vikings do not have very good luck with drafting receivers early eh?

Since 2005 they have drafted in the 1st or 2nd round, Troy Williamson, Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin, CP84, and Treadwell.

Their best receivers drafted in that time frame were Wright 4th & Diggs 5th.  Thielen was un-drafted.

The current regime is responsible for CP84 & Treadwell.

The scouting needs to get better in regards to drafting receivers early.

Maybe Stacy Coley will be a surprise next season?

[Guest]

I still think Treadwell's failures are greatly exaggerated. I'm not saying he's been good, but it is tough to get a lot of targets when you're playing with Thielen, Diggs, Rudy, and Jet. If you watch the film he's much improved from last season when it comes to route running. There are times he's running open down the field, but he's being asked to clear out and block vs. make a reception. That is how Shumur attempts to play to his strengths. 

[Guest]

@"Geoff Nichols" said:
I still think Treadwell's failures are greatly exaggerated. I'm not saying he's been good, but it is tough to get a lot of targets when you're playing with Thielen, Diggs, Rudy, and Jet. If you watch the film he's much improved from last season when it comes to route running. There are times he's running open down the field, but he's being asked to clear out and block vs. make a reception. That is how Shumur attempts to play to his strengths. 

Agree. As you know, I was not a fan of Treadwell at all, but even I'm willing to admit that he hasn't really been given a full opportunity yet. Neither has Michael Floyd. Pretty tough for these guys to get reps behind the NFL's best receiving duo. Problem is that with Diggs and Thielen both young and likely staying for a while, that situation may not improve much in the near future. I think we could see Treadwell traded this off season. 

[Guest]

Well Wright has just about as many catches and yards on half the number of snaps and always seems to come through when called upon.  Plus he has 2 TDs this year to Treadwell's big fat goose egg.

I'll bet anyone a 12-pack that Treadwell is not on the team next year.

[Guest]

@SFVikingFan said:
Well Wright has just about as many catches and yards on half the number of snaps and always seems to come through when called upon.  Plus he has 2 TDs this year to Treadwell's big fat goose egg.

I'll bet anyone a 12-pack that Treadwell is not on the team next year.

I'll take that bet!   

Plus I don't believe Zimmer starts anyone purely based on draft position.   He is #3 WR because he has earned it.

[Guest]

I'll also take that bet.