Bonsignore: Laquon Treadwell taking his time to run

INDIANAPOLIS — In the never-ending game of nitpicking that is the NFL Scouting Combine, the top wide receiver in the 2016 draft had the chance to clear some things up about his speed.

But Mississippi’s Laquon Treadwell, who is perceived more as a high-end possession receiver rather than a game-changing vertical threat, decided against ruing the 40-yard-dash Saturday. Instead, Treadwell says he will run it at Ole Miss’ Pro Day on March 28.

It was a missed opportunity to be sure, one that could cost Treadwell a spot in the top 10 and the millions of dollars that go with it.

Although, as a high-ranking league official said: “It’s probably overblown. It’s more important how he handles questions about it in interviews.”

Treadwell addressed his decision not to run the 40 with the media this week, indicating a change in training facilities leading up to the combine interrupted his preparation.

“Well, I just didn’t have enough time,” Treadwell explained. “Well, I had enough time to prepare, but I was training at one facility. I switched facilities in the mid-training process, just wasn’t getting the work I needed to run my best time. Now I’m just getting comfortable at the new

spot and leaing my techniques. I figured if I have enough time to work on it, I’ll get the time I want.”

Another of the draft’s top wide receiver prospects, Baylor’s Corey Coleman, did not participate in the 40-yard-dash Saturday. He is still not 100 percent after undergoing surgery to repair a sports heia, but expects to run at Baylor’s Pro Day

Treadwell said he is confident he’ll be ready to run the 40 in late March, and expressed confidence he’ll post a low 4.5 number. As far as conces he might have rubbed teams the wrong way not ruing at the combine—– or overall conces about his speed — Treadwell downplayed them.

“The questions, they don’t really bother me,” he said. “I still have to go out there and play and have the production on the field. I don’t let it get to me. I’ll run what I run and just stay confident in myself.”

For the Rams, it might tu out to be a blessing in disguise. They arrived in Indianapolis with two pressing roster needs — a dependable quarterback and a No. 1 wide receiver — and Treadwell’s decision not to run could create a scenario in which he falls to the Rams’ 15th pick in the first round.

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Depending on what quarterback is available at No. 15 — or what the Rams do to upgrade the position through free agency or trade — Treadwell would offer tremendous value at that spot in the first round.

Rams general manager Les Snead played it close to the vest this week about his draft strategy, but made it clear adding players who can help put points on the board is always a priority.

“There are good football players and I think you’re always going to look to, if you can add, especially a good offensive skill player, you’re going to do it,” Snead said. “Because scoring points does help you win.”

And Snead made it clear the 2016 wide receiver class has caught the Rams’ attention.

“I don’t want to give too many cards away, but we do like some wide receivers in this draft,” Snead said.

Presumably, Treadwell is one of them.

The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder is certainly a candidate to wind up a No. 1 wide receiver on an NFL roster. Coming off a broken fibula and dislocated ankle in 2014, Treadwell finished 2015 with 82 receptions for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns.

The only conce is a lack of top-end speed.

“I don’t think he’s a 4.4 (40-yard dash) guy at all,” NFL.com draft analyst Mike Mayock said. “He’s got great hands. He snatches the football, is aggressive in the air, will block. I don’t think he’s as explosive as some of the first-round picks at wideout we’ve seen in the last few years. I would compare him more to Alshon Jeffery. That type of player.”

Nevertheless, the numbers are impressive under any circumstances. Clearing the mental and physical hurdles of retuing and producing so soon after his devastating leg injuries was a confidence builder for Treadwell.

“Mentally, I just feel like I can overcome anything. I’ve been through so much in a certain time period, coming back from the injury in 2014 and being here today. It made me appreciate the game more and made me want to work harder,” Treadwell said. “Just continue to get better, continue to push myself to a new level. I just don’t take the game for granted. My mentality towards the game is completely different.”

More than a 40 time, Treadwell hopes his will offers NFL teams a peek into his heart and determination.

And put a value on it.

“To a certain extent. Some look at it as, ‘He can overcome adversity.’” he said. “Some really don’t care, so I just feel like it showed how I really

love the game, how passionate I am, my dedication toward the game and my commitment.”

Now he just needs to get that 40-yard-dash out of the way.

“I’ve just got to do what’s best for me right now ... I think it will all work out in the end,” Treadwell said.

On times

Here’s look at receivers the Rams might consider in the 2016 draft and their 40-yard dash times Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine:

Laquon Treadwell, Mississippi

Size: 6-2, 220

Did not run

Josh Doctson, TCU

Size: 6-2, 202

Time: 4.50

Will Fuller, Notre Dame

Size: 6-0, 186

Time: 4.32

Corey Coleman, Baylor

Size: 5-11, 194

Did not run

Tyler Boyd, Pitt

Size: 6-1, 197

Time: 4.58

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