The time of year is finally upon us: draft season.
For the Baltimore Ravens, this year’s NFL Draft (April 28-30) holds a bit more value, as the Ravens are slated to select sixth in the first round. The high draft spot, a result of a 5-11 season, gives Baltimore’s front office a chance to seek out a high-profile prospect, one which could singlehandedly make an impact for the team from day one.
Easier said than done, but still achievable.
With many needs to address – from wide receiver, to cornerback, to safety, to pass rusher, to left tackle – the possibilities will seemingly be endless for Baltimore as the draft approaches.
But one player who would be a serious coup for the Baltimore front office is Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell. A true game changer in many ways, Treadwell figures to be the near-consensus top wide receiver in this year’s draft class.
The 6’2 junior is coming off a career-best season, in which he totaled 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns on 82 receptions. In a draft class with only a handful of bona fide top prospects, Treadwell is close to a can’t-miss player on the offensive end, especially for a team so desperate for wide receiver help such as the Ravens.
This early in the draft process, it’s too early to tell whether Treadwell will be available for the Ravens to select with the sixth overall pick, but if he is, he would tough to pass up. Treadwell’s diverse skill set would allow him to elevate the Ravens offense in several ways.
Let’s take a look at why Treadwell is a highly-touted prospect.
While a physical and imposing threat as a pass catcher, one of Treadwell’s best attributes is his balance and soft hands in high-pressure situations.
Here, Treadwell flashes this trait.
In the play above, Treadwell effortlessly maintains his composure with two defenders in the area, and uses his sure hands to haul in the reception. The smooth, seamless catching process is reminiscent of Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green.
To separate great receivers from good, one of the many deciding factors is the ability of the receiver to make plays with defenders in the area. Countless receivers can gain separation and make open-field receptions; not many can consistently make a catch with a defender draped on them.
Take this play for example:
Treadwell does not skip a beat on a deep pass with a defender in his way. His sole focus is the football, and he tunes out everything else. An asset like Treadwell – someone who can be depended on even in contested situations downfield – would be quite the treat for Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.
Deep throws were not as common in Baltimore this season, seemingly because the offense simply lacked a big-play threat. 2015 first round pick Breshad Perriman could be that threat next season, but behind him, there is just as much uncertainty. Even if Perriman exceeds expectations in year two, that still may not be enough to get the Ravens passing game to where it needs to be. Thus, Treadwell would be an enticing option in round one.
For good measure, Treadwell is not just a pass-catcher. While elite blocking ability isn’t a necessity for a wide receiver, it is a quality asset, and is often a sign of a high-effort player.
Treadwell willingly and consistently seeks out defenders to block in the run game.
Just one of many examples of Treadwell’s ferocity as a run blocker.
In a draft class lacking top wide receiver talent, Laquon Treadwell is one player who could help in every facet for an NFL offense. If available when the Ravens are on the clock in April, he may be too good to pass up.
