NFL Rebels: Laquon Treadwell is ready to breakout

Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (11) runs during the fourth quarter in a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (11) runs during the fourth quarter in a preseason game against the San Diego Chargers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings won 23-10. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Former Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell has struggled in his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings, but things are looking up for him.

Fans across the country were hoping to see Laquon Treadwell play an important part in the offense for the Minnesota Vikings. So far this season, Treadwell has only 1 reception on 3 targets.

While Treadwell has been sidelined for the past two games with an ankle injury, the former Rebel has been making strides in practice.

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According to head coach Mike Zimmer, Treadwell is looking “quick.” Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur also had praise for Treadwell.

"“We see a guy who is continually getting better. Each day out here, he makes more and more plays,” Shurmur said. “He’s running his routes better. They’re sharper.”"

Shurmur also commented on Treadwell’s ability to block from the wide receiver position.

"“He has been blocking well when he has been in there,” he added. “He hasn’t had a lot of great opportunities yet to catch the football, but you just see his total game improving each day.”"

Minnesota has been looking for a place to use Treadwell on the offense, but has yet to use him correctly from my point of view.

Treadwell was known as a slower receiver coming out of college, yet Minnesota continues to make him run deep routes.

If Treadwell was used in an offense that relied on shorter passes and screens, he would have already been an elite receiver in my opinion.

The Vikings have been eliminated from the playoffs and are currently 7-8 with one more game to play in the regular season.