Laquon Treadwell

Treadwell appeared in five games for Atlanta in 2020 but didn't have much of an impact with six catches for 49 yards and two touchdowns. The 2016 first-round pick was a bust for Minnesota and has endured significant struggles with drops. He'll need a strong showing in training camp to have a chance of earning a roster spot.

There have been many first-round receiver "busts" in recent memory, and Treadwell ranks right near the top of that dubious list. After being selected No. 23 overall in the 2016 draft, he battled through an injury-riddled rookie season and only registered one reception across nine appearances. A disappointing debut campaign laid the framework for an overall lackluster tenure in Minnesota, as Treadwell was held to 20 or fewer receptions during three of his four years as a Viking, with the lone exception being a 35-catch, 302-yard campaign in 2018. While his run in the NFL may seemingly be approaching the brink of extinction, there's been a precedent set for once-underperforming first-round receivers reviving their careers within the NFC South. Working within a similarly high-powered passing attack last year for Tampa Bay, 2015 first-round pick Breshad Perriman enjoyed a career year by posting 645 yards and six touchdowns.

Considering Treadwell has recorded just 56 receptions and 517 yards in three professional seasons, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Vikings declined the wideout's fifth-year option, making him a free agent following the conclusion of the 2019 campaign. The 2016 first-round pick will only be 24 when the new season officially begins, but at this point it's probably fair to classify Treadwell as a bust. Aldrick Johnson, who had created a bit of a niche role in his lone season with the Vikings as a red zone threat, signed with the Panthers this offseason, opening the possibility Treadwell could once again position himself as the No. 3 receiver. Unheralded prospects such as Chad Beebe, Dillon Mitchell and Olabisi Johnson are all that stands in the way, which would seem to suggest Treadwell is the favorite, but pedigree is about the only thing propping up his chances at claiming the role at this point in his career. Considering the Vikings have no financial incentive to coax Treadwell into the position, don't be surprised if a training-camp standout pushes himself past the disappointing former first-round pick.

Plenty of opportunities have come Treadwell's way over the past two seasons, but the 2016 first-rounder simply hasn't capitalized. He doesn't have many excuses, either, considering both Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs have blossomed in the same circumstances over the same time frame. The offseason signing of Kendall Wright could push Treadwell to No. 4 on the depth chart and makes his path to playing time increasingly dependent on injuries to the trio slotted above him.

Taken with the 23rd pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Treadwell had expectations to contribute immediately within a below-average receiving corps. However, as Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen emerged to eventually notch over 900 receiving yards a piece, Treadwell saw his snap count severely limited, while a few minor injuries also hurt his development. Throughout nine games of action, he caught just one pass for 15 yards on three targets during an extremely disappointing rookie campaign. Improvements with his route running could result in a more positive outlook for Treadwell as he attempts to remove his name from the “bust” spotlight this season, and he's been given first-team reps already during OTAs. In free agency the Vikings signed fellow wideout Michael Floyd, who has proven himself as an NFL-level talent for years, but Treadwell seems to have a head start on the competition for the No. 3 spot right now.

On the one hand, the 23rd overall pick in the draft landed in a spot where he could contribute right away. On the other, the Vikings attempted the fewest passes in the league last year, and Teddy Bridgewater is evolving into more of a game manager than gunslinger. At 6-2, 221, Treadwell has excellent size, but his 4.64 40 time is slow even for a big receiver. Moreover, his broad jump (117 inches) and vertical (33 inches) are also below average. Treadwell seems to play faster on tape, however, and he's a smooth and polished receiver for his age. In any event, he should get a shot right away - last year's fifth-round pick Stefon Diggs, who disappeared during the season's second half, sits atop the depth chart and neither he nor anyone else on the roster should block Treadwell from getting snaps.