Alexander Shun | @alexpshun
Digital Content Manager | KFAN.com
It was an underwhelming and disappointing season for Minnesota Vikings first-round pick Laquon Treadwell as injuries and lack of playing time made for a difficult rookie season.
Treadwell appeared in nine games last season, most of which was on special teams, and finished with just one reception for 15 yards. While Treadwell's first year was a disappointing one, Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman sees a tremendous skillset with the former Ole Miss Rebel; One that will allow Treadwell to succeed in the future.
"He is maybe the hardest-working kid I've ever seen," Spielman said when meeting with members of the media on Thursday. "I walked down there - and usually I don't get out of here until 9:30 or 10:00 at night - and 9:00 on a Wednesday night after practice, he's running routes on air with himself. He is so determined to be a good player, and he has the skill set to do it."
Spielman attributed a steep learning curve and deep receiving core to Treadwell's lack of playing time, noting the importance of Treadwell gaining chemistry and a good rapport with his quarterback, be it Sam Bradford or Teddy Bridgewater.
With a full offseason to train and develop, Treadwell believes that he can make huge strides entering next season.
Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur weighed in on Treadwell recently and said this offseason would be "critical" for Minnesota's rookie receiver.
While there are still things Treadwell must improve upon to see the field more next season, Spielman believes that Treadwell will eventually become the receiver that the team envisioned when they drafted him last spring.
" A kid that has his talent, with his work ethic and all the extra time he puts in to be good, that he is going to be a good player with us," Spielman said. " I do believe that in my heart."