2016 NFL Draft: Laquon Treadwell isn't fast, but he's the draft's top receiver

The New York Giants raised eyebrows when they didn't seriously pursue a wide receiver in free agency. Head coach Ben McAdoo expressed confidence that the Giants could find answers for their suddenly thin (appearing) receiving corps already on the roster, perhaps in 2015 sixth-round pick Geremy Davis.

However, GM Jerry Reese likes to keep Eli Manning surrounded by weapons and has drafted accordingly. That means that it is entirely possible that they could look to the draft to find a "number two" receiver to pair with Odell Beckham Jr.

Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell is at the top of his class coming out, and Reese was on hand recently to watch his Pro Day.

Measurables

Height: 6-foot-2

Weight: 221 pounds

Arm Length: 33 3/8"

Hand Size: 9 1/2"

40 Time: 4.65

3-Cone: 4.29

Short Shuttle: 7.05

Vertical Jump: 33 1/2"

Broad Jump: 9'9"

Bench Press: 12 reps

Pros

• Very physical. A stout frame and body to go with a highly competitive mindset gives Treadwell the advantage when things get physical. Dominates the catch point in 50/50 situations and bullies defenders in press coverage.
• Surprisingly quick for a player his size. Despite his size and strength, Treadwell has the ability to sink his hips and be quick in and out of breaks
• Dominating blocker. Simply put, Treadwell blocks like an offensive lineman on screen plays or in space on running plays.
• Very strong hands to snatch the ball out of the air.
• Underrated route runner. Runs a limited route tree in Ole Miss' offense, but runs them well.

Cons

• Limited long speed. Treadwell isn't going to out-run many defensive backs, and there have been whispers that the potential long-term
• Physical play could lead to flags at the NFL level, especially with a greater emphasis on "sportsman-like conduct."
• Not what people expect from the top receiver in the draft.

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - 10th

Mocking The Draft - 14th

CBS - 11th

Draft Tek - 12th

Does He Fit With the Giants?

Yes, he does.

Transitioning from Ole Miss' spread, zone read offense to the Giants' West Coast based offense will present a bit of a learning curve for Treadwell. However, he has the ability to run all the routes and should take well to coaching in the NFL. There is some concern that Treadwell's lack of long speed will limit him in vertical routes, however, his route running (such as in post-corner-post or sant-go (sluggo) routes) and ability to beat press coverage at the line of scrimmage have allowed him to be better than average at those routes in college.

But the most underrated aspect of a wide receiver's game is arguably what sets Treadwell apart the most: Blocking.

In every great screen play or every long run you will see a wide receiver blocking. It doesn't get credit, it doesn't make SportsCenter's top 10 plays, but blocks by receivers are vital to an offense's ground game, and one of the quickest ways to win over coaches. It also happens to be something that Treadwell excels at. Watch any Ole Miss tape and you won't just see Treadwell blocking, you'll see him dominating defensive backs, and finishing his blocks in a way that would make an offensive line coach proud. McAdoo has been trying to improve the Giants' screen game since he arrived in 2014, and Treadwell's tenacious blocking outside and downfield would be a tremendous advantage for the offense.

Final Thoughts

Treadwell isn't the biggest, most athletic, or most productive receiver in this class. So what makes him the best? It's the combination of those traits.

He has a terrific frame and knows how to use it. He isn't fast, but he's quick and has great body control to get in and out of his breaks at the top of routes, and put that frame in position. He's willing and able to fight for the ball in any situation, and just as willing to put himself on the line so a teammate can make a play.