Vikings’ Laquon Treadwell shrugs off notion that 2018 is make or break
During a recent red-zone workout at Vikings organized team activities, new, high-priced quarterback Kirk Cousins rifled a pass toward the back of the end zone. Laquon Treadwell stretched out every inch of his 6-foot-3 frame and caught the ball before tumbling to the ground.
Sweet catch? “Oh yeah,” Treadwell said.
Unfortunately, Treadwell hasn’t made many sweet catches in games during his two seasons with the Vikings, let alone routine receptions.
After being taken with the No. 23 pick in the 2016 draft out of Mississippi, the wide receiver caught just one pass as a rookie. The Vikings talked before last season about apparent improvement, but that translated into just 20 catches for 200 yards in 16 games.
Now, the pressure is seemingly really on Treadwell to step up his game in 2018 to avoid being labeled a bust.
“It’s important any time you are in your third year, it’s important,” Vikings coach Mike Zimmer said. “He is continuing to get better. I think he stopped being so hard on himself and is just letting it flow now. I think that is part of it.”
Treadwell, who turns 23 on June 14, shrugged off a question as to whether he believes it’s a make-or-break year for him.
“I think it’s a make-or-break year for everyone, not just myself,” he said. “A lot of guys speak on it, every year is a new year. You’ve got to reprove yourself. … I just don’t put the pressure on myself as a make-or-break year.”
OK, but is Treadwell confident he can make a big leap in 2018?
https://www.twincities.com/2018/06/01/vikings-wr-laquon-treadwell-shrugs-off-notion-that-2018-is-a-make-or-break-year/
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
Treadwell has been working plenty with the first team during OTAs, and has caught the eye of Cousins.
“Every day we’ve learned new things and taken steps together,” Cousins said. “I’m excited to see what he can do now going into his third year, and hopefully continue to get him more and more involved.”
“As a professional, you’ve got to know how to communicate and, I guess, interact with the coaches and teammates. … Before, in college, you can just play, go home, get the W, whatever, kick it, hang out, whatever,” Treadwell said. “It’s just a different level, and I think you have to be mentally sharp with that. I think that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned.”
“I had a lot to learn,” he said. “I was young. Coming in here, a lot of guys are much older than you, much more experienced. … I just knew eventually hard work and continuing to learn and continue to seek advice, and continue to listen to coaches, it would play out. So I never let frustration come in because I know I can always be better. .. No reason to be mad. You won’t grow when you’re mad.”
@"purplefaithful" said: “As a professional, you’ve got to know how to communicate and, I guess, interact with the coaches and teammates. … Before, in college, you can just play, go home, get the W, whatever, kick it, hang out, whatever,” Treadwell said. “It’s just a different level, and I think you have to be mentally sharp with that. I think that’s the biggest thing I’ve learned.” “I had a lot to learn,” he said. “I was young. Coming in here, a lot of guys are much older than you, much more experienced. … I just knew eventually hard work and continuing to learn and continue to seek advice, and continue to listen to coaches, it would play out. So I never let frustration come in because I know I can always be better. .. No reason to be mad. You won’t grow when you’re mad.”
It also helps to know you received almost 10 mil guaranteed to do all of what he has been doing.
Meanwhile, Diggs is going to receive about 4.186 mil for his first 4 years of very impressive work.
Treadwell needs to be about it and not say anything because so far he is stealing money.
The NFL is too much for the kid. It happens. His lack of speed is killing him. Zero separation.
@"StickyBun" said: The NFL is too much for the kid. It happens. His lack of speed is killing him. Zero separation.Hmmm... Almost like it was in his pre draft profile.. http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/laquon-treadwell?id=2555214 . but Rick spent a 1st rounder on him anyway.
Hopefully he connects with the new QB and has a great season... for the Viking’s sake.
That's about the only thing he's been able to shrug off.
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