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Packers 2016 Draft: Last minute NFL mock draft

By Kenn Korb

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) works out prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) works out prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick #23 — Minnesota Vikings

Laquon Treadwell

With the way Green Bay struggled down the stretch of 2015, the Vikings found themselves in prime position to capitalize, which they did. With a win at Lambeau to end the season, they secured the division crown, and eventually ended up pushing the Seahawks to the brink in a game they should have won to send themselves into the divisional round.

Sep 19, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) grabs a touchdown pass as Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) defends at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Rebels defeated the Tide 43-37. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (1) grabs a touchdown pass as Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Cyrus Jones (5) defends at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Rebels defeated the Tide 43-37. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite the bad taste the end of their season may have left in fans’ mouths, this team is poised to be not just a thorn in the side of the Packers, but a team that can possibly attain some level of the kind of divisional dominance Green Bay had been accustomed to leading into 2015. They are a young team with a dynamic defense, a young QB, Adrian Peterson, and a masterful coach in Mike Zimmer; we would be foolish to doubt them.

Even with their promise, they have spots and limitations they could use work on if they want to solidify a spot as an annual contender however. Some things can’t really be fixed — with Bridgewater as their QB, the deep passing game can only go so far — but they can shore up some of the remaining weaker areas of the roster.

The team is a mess on the offensive line, but while they could add someone later, based on the money they have invested in the group already I doubt they don’t continue to give them opportunities to try finding success yet again. They have a good defensive line rotation, but they may want to consider one of the remaining guys there if things line up right. The linebacking corps could use a massive boost beside Anthony Barr, or another safety to pair with Harrison Smith.

Based on who is available though, there is only one position worth considering here: wide receiver.

Doctson and Treadwell are still here, but it is pretty obvious which the choice should be. Doctson would be a fine choice, but that would be like having one of Detroit’s top 2 guys (Marvin Jones or Golden Tate) as your #1 receiver; they can be productive, but more likely we will see them struggle to reach their max without someone who is a legit #1 paired with them.

Treadwell doesn’t have to worry about that, because he can be that #1 himself. His skill set would also line up well with the type of receivers already on the roster. The team has Stefon Diggs and a couple speedy guys, but nobody with the combination technical skills of Treadwell, and he would bring some height to a short group as well.

As a Packers fan, I am afraid of this kind of move; it really could be the piece that sets their offense up for years. Not only is he talented, but Treadwell would also bring the bonus of giving the Vikings the extra positive of having their best passing game weapon fit perfectly with what their quarterback is best suited for; Bridgewater has long been knocked for his lack of arm strength, and while deep routes will still need to be implemented better to help the offense in general, Treadwell can be the mid-range option of Teddy’s dreams, alleviating pressure from his QBs shoulder just by being there.

Hope I’m wrong for our sake, but it just makes too much sense to think this isn’t the route the Vikings go if the chips fall this way.

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