2016 NFL Draft: WR Laquon Treadwell Scouting Report

WR Laquon Treadwell- Mississippi:

Pros:

• Good size, coming in at 6’2” and 220lbs, he can be a strong outside receiver and red zone threat.
• Good hands, does a nice job snatching the ball in the air and rarely lets the ball get into him.
• Wins contested routes by timing his jumps well and body positioning to box out defenders.
• Excellent route runner, he does a really nice job setting up defensive backs to gain additional separation.  
• Very productive college receiver despite playing in the SEC and having less than stellar QB play.
• Can excel both in the short game and vertical game.
• Versatile receiver who can play any receiver position.

Cons:

• Lacks elite or even very good deep speed, which could be more problematic at the next level.
• Would disappear at times in big games.
• Has struggled to get off press coverage in the past.
• Might have a limited ceiling, which may limit how high you want to take him.

Overview:

Treadwell was one of the top H.S. receivers when he was recruited to Ole Miss and he flashed a lot of promise as a true freshman. He built upon that in his sophomore season, but the year was cut short due to a broken leg. He came back last year to get over 1,000 yards and he now looks to be the first receiver taken in the draft.

His lack of elite/good speed is definite a concern for some and why he doesn’t have a consensus ranking at the top WR in the class. Though the lack of speed may limit his upside some, it feels like an overblown concern. He excels at so many other top receiver traits that he makes up for his lack of speed with his elite route running and size.

Treadwell was still very effective on deeper and intermediate routes despite lacking that high end gear. Treadwell also has shown himself to be one of the better receivers with tracking the ball and winning at the catch point. He sets up corners well, and should have the advantage in most 1-on-1 situations.

Overall there has to be some concern that Treadwell will never be that elite top 10 receiver in the NFL, but that doesn’t mean he still can’t be a very good receiver capable of catching 80+ passes, over 1,000 yards a year and being a very effective red zone option.