Opinion: Titans should draft Laquon Treadwell
Now that the Tennessee Titans are drafting at No. 15 overall, the circumstances surrounding their pick change. Assistant sports editor Jordan Dajani believes that with the new pick, the Titans should focus on obtaining an SEC wide receiver to help Marcus Mariota.
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Last week, the Tenneessee Titans received numerous draft picks after trading the top overall pick to the Los Angeles Rams. Tennessee, for now, sits at No. 15. While the Titans have a need at tackle — and a number of tackles will be available in the middle of the first round, such as Jack Conklin and Ronnie Stanley — Tennessee should strongly consider drafting Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell.
I don’t like what the Titans have in their receiving corp other than Dorial Green-Beckham. Kendall Wright took a huge step last season, recording only 36 receptions for 408 yards in 10 games played. Harry Douglas is an older player who can still contribute, but is obviously not a go-to guy. Justin Hunter may never get his act together and wasn’t close to being a threat on offense in 2015 after finishing with only 264 yards.
Tennessee made a solid move this offseason with the signing of ex-Dolphin wide receiver Rishard Matthews, but you need another playmaker who’s going to develop alongside quarterback Marcus Mariota if the Titans want an explosive offense in the future.
During his time in Oxford, Treadwell set the program record for most receptions with 202, which is the seventh-most in SEC history. What makes that stat so impressive is that he only played three years. In his 35 career games, Treadwell caught a pass in each game and finished with 2,393 yards receiving and 21 touchdowns.
His one weakness is his 40-yard dash time (4.63), but that doesn’t matter to me. Treadwell isn’t a speedster. He uses his huge 6-foot-2, 221-poound frame to make plays. His extremely reliable hands helped him dominate top-tier SEC secondaries.
Treadwell’s an interesting prospect because some peg him as simply a regular possession receiver due to his lack of speed and great hands, but I think he could be more than that. His ability to run after the catch led to a number of explosive plays. Plus, his size would make life so much easier for Mariota. Imagine the amount of throws Mariota will lob in the air for Treadwill to fight for and snag out of a defender’s grasp.
Most people have Treadwell high on their big boards, such as Sports Illustrated, who has him at No. 10. So obviously, picking him at No. 15 is not too high.
Overall, Treadwell is playmaker with great intangibles, ball skills and the will to produce in the NFL for years to come.
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Jordan Dajani is a junior journalism/electronic media major from Raleigh, North Carolina.
Follow him on twitter @JDnumba3.
I agree. More weapons for Mariota will also keep him on his feet. Having DGB, Murray, Matthews, and Treadwell on the field will make defense think twice before sending an all out blitz and forcing the offense to make a play with the mediocre weapons they had last year. Which I feel is a big contributor to the 54 sacks Mariota had. Our O-line is seriously underrated and Treadwell at 15 and Spriggs in the 2nd are good additions and fill needs we desperately need. Good article!