[Hacksaw_64]

http://draftbreakdown.com/2016-nfl-draf ... -ole-miss/



Written by Ryan Dukarm on August 5, 2015


The last two NFL Draft’s have seen an influx of young receiver talent into the NFL, as the new age of early contributors at wide receiver have seen players like Odell Beckham, Mike Evans, Sammy Watkins, Kelvin Benjamin, Amari Cooper, Kevin White and Davante Parker all drafted in the first round with the expectations of contributing early and often. The next in this highly talented group of young receivers is Ole Miss WR Laquon Treadwell. The only thing standing in the way of Treadwell being an early first round pick in 2016 is his health, as he suffered a gruesome leg injury in Ole Miss’ game against Auburn in 2014. Assuming he can return to full health in the 2015 season, Treadwell has a chance to be the top receiver selected in the 2016 NFL Draft. treadwell

Background: Two year starter at Ole Miss as a true freshman and sophomore. Suffered season ending broken leg and dislocated ankle against Auburn late last season, and is reportedly ahead of schedule in return to spring/summer practices. Tall and lean receiver with good athletic ability, rare burst, very good agility and balance, good COD and solid foot speed.

Pro Section: At the snap Treadwell displays a very good release, moves quickly off the line with his initial explosiveness vs Off coverage to eat up DBs cushion and displays ability to beat Press with his quick twitch and COD abilities. Solid play speed, combines his mental processing and initial burst to move down the field efficiently and force defense to respect vertical routes. Very good mental processing ability, finds the seam against Zone coverage across the middle and shows good ability manipulate DBs cushion against Man coverage. Can create instant separation at the top of his route by leveraging his rare play strength and length to push off and play physical with defenders. He displays solid separation quickness deep in the field, uses his COD to win on speed/fluid routes, and he can win on slants and other quick hitting routes because of his quick twitch and very good release from the LOS. He’s a very good natural hands catcher who plucks the ball out of the air at full extension away from his body. Elite adjust ability, wins routinely in contested catch situations and is unstoppable on back shoulder throws. His combination of height, length and strength provides elite physical tools to win on any throw, and should be an immediate red zone weapon for any team. Very good at accumulating YAC, has a combination of the strength to break tackles and the elusiveness in the open field to avoid defenders all together. Very good mental toughness, steps up in big situations like third down and red zone, and has game changing ability in clutch situations. Shows a good willingness to block on run plays and screens, willing to throw a shoulder at a DB and crack a linebacker.

Con Section: Adequate release vs Press coverage, once a defender establishes their hands on him he lacks the refined hand technique to swat away defenders arms and break their grip. Marginal separation quickness in the intermediate area of the field, struggles to quickly drop his hips and make cuts efficiently, right now runs a very limited route tree and struggles to create his own separation. Will have the occasional concentration drop, generally across the middle of the field. After the catch will get caught trying to make too many moves and running too far east-west rather than concentrating on getting more immediate yards upfield.

Projection: Overall, Laquon Treadwell is a starter in any offensive system at the NFL level because of his natural ability to adjust to any ball thrown his way. Relies on his rare hands and athleticism to make plays on the football and he provides a big play threat with the ball is in his hands. Struggles to release vs Press coverage once the defender establishes their hands and cannot lose a defender with his separation quickness.

At this point in the 2016 NFL Draft process everything is still fluid. Many questions surround the top WR prospects, as there are multiple players with off field concerns. Treadwell has been clean off the field and simply needs to make sure he returns to full health for the upcoming season. I can absolutely see Treadwell as a first round pick, and if he shows a season of top level production and health he has a legitimate shot at being a top ten selection in the 2016 NFL Draft.