Rookie Watch Laquon Treadwell WR MIN

Treadwell is probably not be the best fantasy wide receiver prospect for 2016, but he may be for those drafting in dynasty leagues; he won’t turn 21 until June. Even still, he is plenty experienced having played three seasons for Ole Miss in the ultra-competitive SEC.

 The Vikings landed him with the 23rd pick in round one – in part because they need wide receiver help desperately, in part because he was a good value at that spot. Many scouts lauded his “freakish” talents, especially when the ball is in the air. And the word “freak” has been kind to Vikings fans in the past (see: 1998 first round).

 There are concerns as to whether Treadwell has “NFL speed.” He ran a 4.65 at his Pro Day, but speed can be one of the most over hyped metrics of the pre-Draft process. Treadwell can get separation thanks to a different set of tools.

Dissecting the depth chart: The Vikings seem committed to supporting Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback, and that means bigger, better weapons to throw to. Minnesota found a steal in 2015 fifth round pick Stefon Diggs, but he stands just 6-foot and 191 pounds; Treadwell is 210 pounds and plays even bigger. The Vikings would love to find a bigger complement to Diggs (you know, the player Cordarrelle Patterson was supposed to be). But of the team’s wide receivers, only Diggs caught more than 40 passes last season (tight end Kyle Rudolph did have 49). Mike Wallace didn’t work out and now is suiting up for Baltimore, and Jarius Wright has never proven to be anything more than a so-so No. 3 option. Most other teams would be patient with Treadwell, but Minnesota doesn’t have that luxury.

Just the stats: Treadwell caught 72 passes in his first season (2013) with the Rebels but for little gain (8.4 yards per carry). That changed the following season (13.2) and as a junior he caught 82 passes for 1,153 yards (14.1), making him arguably the SEC’s most explosive wideout. Three of his 11 touchdowns last year came against Oklahoma State in the Allstate Sugar Bowl, and he only had three subpar fantasy performances the entire season. His best game, statistically, was the 37-24 upset loss to Memphis in which he caught a career-high 14 passes for 144 yards.

2016 Projection: 44 receptions, 695 yards, 6 TDs

2015 rookie comparison: Dorial Green-Beckham

Not the comparison you were hoping for? Don’t sweat it – Treadwell’s catch and yardage numbers will be much better, but the comparison is in the big-play ability of both. Green-Beckham averaged a healthy 17.2 yards per catch in 2015; Treadwell could approach that number.

Interesting fact that won’t help you: The 2016 NFL Draft was a homecoming of sorts for Treadwell, who grew up in the Chicago area and was once named the Chicago Tribune Player of the Year.

What he’s worth: He’s a mid- to late-round pick as a low-tier No. 4 fantasy receiver in most leagues.

Follow Mike Beacom on Twitter @mikebeacom