When the Vikings chose Ole Miss wide receiver Laquon Treadwell with the 23rd pick of the 2016 draft, it seemed like the perfect match of team and player. The Vikings needed a big playmaker. Treadwell fit that description. But the 21-year-old wideout barely got on the field in his rookie season, registering just one catch before injuries cost him time late in the season. Treadwell, who was in Los Angeles signing trading cards for Panini America at this weekend's NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, chatted by phone with the Star Tribune's Michael Rand about 2016 and beyond:
Q As you reflect on the 2016 season, it didn't go the way I imagine you planned it. How did it all unfold and what in your mind went wrong?
A Nothing went wrong. Nothing went wrong. I'm looking forward to next year and this offseason and getting back on the field and trying to win ballgames.
Q How did you handle it when you weren't playing?
A I mean, everybody is a competitor and wants to be out there, you know? But I didn't get the opportunity, so I'm looking forward to this offseason and training hard and going back at it next year and getting on the field.
Q What do you specifically need to do to improve this offseason and get on the field more in your second season?
A It's not what I need to do, it's gaining the trust and the opportunities from the coaches. Every year you just need to keep getting better. Everybody is going to get better in the offseason.
Q There were so many things that happened to the Vikings as a team in 2016. Was that an eye-opener for you, just going through your first NFL season and seeing all the ups and downs?
