Heading into his 32nd season of coaching professional football, Vikings Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner has evaluated thousands of players over the years.
As Turner scouted the wide receivers for the 2016 NFL Draft, one name stood out to him — Laquon Treadwell.
"To me, Laquon is the most complete receiver in this draft," Turner told "Voice of the Vikings" Paul Allen on KFAN 100.3-FM on Friday morning on the ***9 to Noon* *Show***.
The Vikings ended up selecting Treadwell with the 23rd pick Thursday night, a move that made Turner quite happy.
The longtime coach said Treadwell should transition nicely to the pro game because of his tenacity and size at 6-foot-2 and 221 pounds.
"He plays the game like it's going to be played in our league," Turner said. "He does a great job when he is matched up with a press corner … he does a great job of going up and getting the ball.
"When you watch these college guys and you see them running open by 10 yards, that doesn't happen as often in our league," Turner said. "To me, the best thing Laquon did on tape is that he competes for the football and makes the 50-50 catches."
Turner, a former coach in Dallas, was asked how Treadwell's game compares with Hall of Famer Michael Irvin.
Turner, who won a Super Bowl in 1993 with the Cowboys, said it was unfair to make such a comparison and noted that the newest Viking will be just fine on his own.
"I wouldn't do that to anybody," Turner said. "I think Laquon Treadwell is Laquon Treadwell, and he's going to be his own guy.
"If there's some things he does that are like Michael Irvin then that would be awesome," Turner added. "But he's a very talented football player."
The 20-year-old Treadwell had 202 catches for 2,393 yards and 21 touchdowns in 35 games in college.
He'll now join an offense that features similarly aged talent in 22-year-old wide receiver Stefon Diggs, plus 23-year-old quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Jerick McKinnon, who will turn 24 next week.
Throw in running back Adrian Peterson and tight end Kyle Rudolph and the Vikings could have the makings of a potent offense.
"Our team needs to continue to grow," Turner said. "Over the last two years we've built a great foundation.
"But we need to grow and continue to become good at more things," Turner added. "That's always what you're trying to accomplish."
Being an offensive-minded coach, Turner was asked at the conclusion of the interview if he preferred more offensive talent in Friday's portion of the draft. The Vikings hold the 54th pick in the second round and pick No. 86 in the third round.
"Our guys do a great job with evaluations, and I'm not giving the company line," Turner said. "They're going to pick a good player.
"If it's a player that helps us on defense, I'll be excited," he added. "If it's a player we think can fit in and help us on offense, that's be great."
