This Baltimore Ravens season will see a highly-touted first-round pick try to make an impact in the receiving game, one seeking a triumphant return after some struggles kept him away from the field.
That receiver is ... potentially ... Laquon Treadwell.
Of course, the real answer to that highly-anticipated query is Odell Beckham Jr., Rashod Bateman, or even Nelson Agholor. Their presence, as well as that of several other accomplished veterans and first-round rookie Zay Flowers, will make it hard for Treadwell to make any headway in his quest to make another NFL roster.
Unlike the other veteran names listed, Treadwell has not lived up to the professional hype since arriving as the 23rd overall pick of the 2016 draft. Treadwell lasted the regularly offered four seasons with his choosers, the Minnesota Vikings, and has become an NFL nomad ever since. The Ravens are his sixth team in the new decade, signed in early June after appearing in six games with the Seattle Seahawks last season. Treadwell's best campaign to date is a 434-yard day with Jacksonville in 2021.
As the Ravens' offense struggles to find traction and stability in Charm City, Treadwell has emerged as a silver lining for the summer blues.
Treadwell has gained some traction in the wide receiver competition this week," The Athletic writes. "He had a nice one-handed snag for a touchdown and was rewarded with a flying chest bump from (tight end Mark) Andrews."
One play, of course, isn't going to make Treadwell's purple career, nor does it come close to guaranteeing him a roster spot. But getting some specific praise is certainly a step in the right direction as he seeks career redemption.
Upon Treadwell's arrival in June, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was excited to insert him into the summer lineups, perhaps eager to forge a diamond in the rough when it comes to regaining offensive momentum lost in the final stages of last season.
"(He's) really a determined guy," Harbaugh said. "Wants to be good, (is) physical (in) practice, worked hard in the workout. (He) came out here and pretty much knew what he was doing, after getting here less than 24 hours ago.
"He didn't make a mistake out there. I think that says a lot about who he is. So, he'll be in the mix. We'll let him compete and see how he does."
Treadwell will likely have an extended chance to make a bigger impact in front of more eyes come Saturday night when the Ravens open a three-game preseason slate against the Philadelphia Eagles at 7 p.m. ET.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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