Vikings GM: Treadwell 'maybe the hardest-working kid I've ever seen'

After being drafted 23rd overall last April, Laquon Treadwell only caught one pass in his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings, but it wasn't due to a lack of work ethic, according to general manager Rick Spielman.

Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur told reporters on Tuesday that he felt the 21-year-old receiver's offseason will be "very critical" in determining his future role with the team. Spielman feels Treadwell's start with the Vikings was a little rocky, but he has shown enough to inspire confidence in his team's front office.

"Laquon came in, and he had some durability issues through OTAs, and had some things on and off during camp," Spielman said Thursday, according to Brian Murphy of the Pioneer Press. "I know that he is maybe the hardest-working kid I've ever seen.

"He is so determined to be a good player, and he has the skill set to do it. But we were never able to get him on track. He is going to be a good player with us. I do believe that in my heart."

Treadwell won't have a job in the starting lineup handed to him next season as only one member of the Vikings receiver corps is expected to move on from the team. If they don't make any major moves in free agency or the draft to acquire a pass catcher, Minnesota will be counting on Treadwell to help improve the team's 28th-ranked offense.