Coming out of high school, Laquon Treadwell seemed like a surefire future NFL superstar. At 6-foot-3 and 198 pounds with the athleticism and skills to match, Treadwell was a highly-touted five-star prospect who was ranked as the fifth-best player in the nation and the top receiver in the class of 2013 by Rivals.com

After receiving over 20 scholarship offers from top programs across the country, Treadwell decided to commit to Ole Miss. After a solid freshman campaign, expectations were high for Treadwell in year two.

Unfortunately, the former five-star prospect suffered a broken fibula and dislocated ankle and his sophomore season was cut short. However, the talented pass-catcher came out as a junior and impressed with 82 catches for 1,152 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Despite a poor performance at the 2016 NFL combine and questions about drops in college, Treadwell's talent and size were undeniable and the Minnesota Vikings took a chance on the Ole Miss Rebel with the 23rd pick of the first round.

Treadwell was supposed to make an immediate impact with Minnesota who was looking to pair someone with rising star Stefon Diggs. Unfortunately, while Adam Thielen would come out of nowhere to be that guy for the Vikings, Treadwell caught just one pass for 15 yards as a rookie.

Fast forward a few more seasons and Treadwell is now an Atlanta Falcon after signing a one-year deal with the team.

Article Continues Below
More Atlanta Falcons News
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Kirk Cousins trade talks get doused in cold water after Aaron Rodgers signingJake Faigus ·
Falcons rookie standing out at OTAs, Jalon Walker
Rising Atlanta Falcons rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAsCameron Zunkel ·
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) catches a touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Falcons rumors: What Adam Schefter is hearing on Kyle Pitts injury, trade rumorsBen Strauss ·
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) warms up on the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
NFL rumors: Falcons insider picks Browns Kirk Cousins trade idea over SteelersZachary Weinberger ·
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws the ball against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half at Allegiant Stadium.
NFL rumors: Falcons insider shuts down Vikings trade ideas for Kirk CousinsMalik Brown ·
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) in action against the Seattle Seahawks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Falcons rumors: Atlanta’s Kyle Pitts asking price douses trade talks in cold waterBen Strauss ·

Treadwell only managed to record 701 yards and two touchdowns in four seasons with Minnesota and even though he's just 24 years old, the formerly sought after recruit is one of the biggest disappointments of the his draft class.

But maybe all Treadwell needs is a fresh start, and Atlanta seemed happy to give that to him. Signing him to a one-year deal puts barely any burden on the Falcons if he doesn't work out while also hopefully motivating Treadwell to get his career back on the right track.

Unfortunately, Atlanta may not be the best place for Treadwell if he wants a large role. The former Viking will be behind both Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley on the depth chart, at the very least.

Still, 2020 could be a career-year for Treadwell. But that's also not saying much, unfortunately. But again, the talent is certainly there and sometimes all a player needs to succeed is a change of scenery.

Some advice to Falcons fans: don't get your expectations too high for Treadwell. Maybe he can turn into, at the very least, a solid contributor on an offense that has the potential to be one of the best in the NFL next year.