New Vikings WR Treadwell 'In The Right Place'
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minnesota Vikings introduced their first round draft pick, wide receiver Laquon Treadwell, at a press conference on Friday.
GM Rick Spielman introduced Treadwell and shed some light on why the Vikings took the Ole Miss star with the 23rd overall pick.
"He is the type of Minnesota Viking football player we're trying to bring in here," said Spielman. "He's definitely someone that not only fit best player available on our board, but also fit the bill as a top need for us as well."
Head coach Mike Zimmer also praised Treadwell, saying he has all of the qualities Zimmer looks for in Vikings players.
"We're really excited with the opportunity to get Laqoun here," said Zimmer. "He's tough, physical, he's smart, great competitor."
After a brief gaffe where he called Zimmer "Zimmerman," Treadwell fielded questions about the draft and his experience with the Vikings so far.
"I'm just going to make the most of my opportunity," said Treadwell.
Treadwell flattered the Minnesota fans, complimenting them on their fervor for the team.
"It's been great. It's everything and more. The fans are very passionate," he said. "They're very passionate and they love their team."
Though Treadwell just arrived in Minnesota this morning, he's already connected with some of the Vikings coaches and players.
"The coaches are great," Treadwell said. "I got a chance to meet Teddy Bridgewater. He's a great guy, great personality. I can see us getting along well.
"The last thing I asked him was what's his goal for the team, and he told me Super Bowl."
The young receiver also spoke about the opportunity to play with Adrian Peterson, one of the league's best running backs.
"I just think we can do a lot of great things," he said. "With any great running back you're able to get your receivers and everybody else involved."
Though he attended college in Mississippi, Treadwell grew up in Chicago. The Vikings' division rival Bears play in Chicago, but Treadwell quickly put to rest any fears that he was a Bears fan.
"Growing up I followed the Bears, but I wasn't a Bears fan. I kind of liked certain players on the team," Treadwell said. "Wasn't a Bears fan, wasn't a Vikings fan, but now I'm a Viking at heart."
Treadwell admitted that though getting drafted is a great feat, the work was only beginning.
"I feel like I can work on all the routes," Treadwell said. "At this level, better competition, so you have to get better."
Treadwell has been compared to a variety of NFL recievers -- including the Cowboys' Dez Bryant -- but he said he's a unique player.
"Never molded my game after anyone," he said. "I did watch Marvin Harrison, Dez Bryant, Reggie Wayne. All the great receivers from when I was younger."
After his name was called Thursday night, Treadwell brought his daughter on stage with him. She may have been even more excited than him.
"I think she felt the energy of the whole city and just felt good about it," Treadwell said. "She wouldn't stop jumping around, I couldn't slow her down."
Both Zimmer and Spielman emphasized that Treadwell is exactly the type of player the Vikings want. Treadwell echoed this sentiment.
"How things played out in the draft, I think I landed in the right place for me and I fit well, really well with the offense," Treadwell said.
"I never thought, starting playing football, 10 years old, that 10 years down the road I'd be back in Chicago getting drafted by the Minnesota Vikings."