With the 23rd overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Vikings select Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.
CBS Sports' Pete Prisco is a huge fan of the pick:
Treadwell pick. Grade: A. He’s the next Dez Bryant. Love his toughness even if he doesn’t time well.
— Pete Prisco (@PriscoCBS) April 29, 2016
Treadwell entered the draft as many experts' top wide receiver. Instead, he fell on draft day and was picked behind Corey Coleman, Will Fuller, and Josh Doctson.
The maximum Laquon Treadwell will get in his 4-year rookie deal is $9,934,980, which includes a signing bonus of no more than $5,425,440.
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) April 29, 2016
In 35 career games at Ole Miss, Treadwell racked up 2,393 yards and 21 touchdowns on 202 receptions. He did all of this despite featuring average-at-best speed.
At 6-foot-2 and with good length, Treadwell is a master of the contested catch. Like a DeAndre Hopkins or an Alshon Jeffery, Treadwell doesn't necessarily need separation to be open. Instead, he's adept at going up and snatching the football away from defenders -- catch radius is the word that comes to mind.
What Treadwell needs to work on is his route running, especially when he goes up against stronger NFL corners, who should be better equipped to handle his strength.
CBS Sports draft analyst Dane Brugler has more:
COMPARES TO: Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys - Treadwell shows a Bryant-like skillset with his size and athleticism combination to be a mismatch against cornerbacks on the outside.
IN OUR VIEW: Treadwell has exceptional ballskills and catching radius with strong hands to pluck away from his body or scoop off his shoelaces - if the throw is anywhere within a few feet of his body, he'll attack it. He isn't a sudden athlete, but plays with athletic twitch and power to be a threat after the catch.
Immediately, Treadwell should fit in as a possession type of receiver alongside Stefon Diggs. With improved route-running, though, Treadwell could turn into a downfield threat, even without top-notch speed.
With Teddy Bridgewater, the Vikings offense isn't built around the deep ball. Treadwell should be effective in the middle of the field and, perhaps most importantly, in the red zone.
Treadwell & #Vikings: Size/toughness at WR for Bridgewater. Own the middle of the field. Red zone production. Catch radius. Physical player.
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) April 29, 2016
The good news: With Adrian Peterson in the backfield, defenses are forced to stack the box. That should, in theory, allow Treadwell to work against isolated coverages. And, oh yeah, Treadwell has the ability to serve as an effective blocker for Peterson on the outside.
Great pick Viking nation! Laquon Treadwell set your mind on winning a Championship son!
— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) April 29, 2016
The Vikings are no longer an up-and-coming team. One year after winning the NFC North, they're arming themselves for another playoff-bound season.