INDIANAPOLIS -- Laquon Treadwell, considered by many to be the top wide receiver in this year's draft, will not run the 40-yard dash at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine.
The Ole Miss wide receiver confirmed on Thursday that he would not take part in the annual event. Treadwell said he wanted more time to prepare for the important measuring stick for NFL hopefuls.
"I figured if I have enough time to work on it, I'll get the time I want," Treadwell said.
View select images of scouts, coaches and players from the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine.
North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz
Penn St. quarterback Christian Hackenberg
California quarterback Jared Goff
Michigan St. quarterback Connor Cook
South Carolina tight end Jerell Adams
Stanford tight end Austin Hooper
Ohio St. wide receiver Braxton Miller
Pittsburgh receiver Tyler Boyd
Mississippi receiver Laquon Treadwell
Indiana quarterback Nate Sudfeld
Ohio St. quarterback Cardale Jones
Kansas St. offensive lineman Cody Whitehair
Ohio St. offensive lineman Taylor Decker
Liberty quarterback Josh Woodrum
Iowa offensive lineman Austin Blythe
Missouri offensive lineman Connor McGovern
Alabama offensive lineman Ryan Kelly
49ers GM Trent Baalke
Giants head coach Ben McAdoo
Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio
Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak
Bears head coach John Fox
Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter
Rams head coach Jeff Fisher
Falcons head coach Dan Quinn
Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman
Texans head coach Bill O'Brien
Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy
Broncos general manager John Elway
The 6-foot-2, 210-pound junior said he aims to run in the 4.5-second range at his pro day. A solid 40 time would greatly improve Treadwell's chances of being a top-10 selection in late April. Despite the speed issue being a main topic of his combine press conference, Treadwell insisted the outside commentary didn't bother him.
"I still have to go out there and play and have the production on the field," he said. "I don't let it get to me. I'll run what I run and just stay confident in myself."
Regardless of his combine measurables, Treadwell has impressive game tape on his side. The three-year starter led the SEC last season in catches (82), receiving yards (1,153) and touchdowns (11). "I think I'll only get better," Treadwell said when asked if he's only a possesion receiver. "I'll continue to work, continue to get the best training now that I'm at the highest level. I'll just continue to push myself to get better, and my game will show eventually."
Treadwell added that he aims to improve as a vertical threat when he gets to the NFL. So while he doesn't have a favorite route, Treadwell expressed his love for the game and will look to showcase his fundamentals in the combine's wide receiver drills.
A lack of confidence is not an issue with Treadwell.
When asked about the toughest matchup he experienced in three seasons of competitive SEC football, Treadwell offered this:
"I wouldn't consider anyone tough in college," he said. "You had teams that had great players. I just never got a one-on-one matchup where I (thought) that guy would stop me or that guy would shut me down."
Treadwell showed he was willing to battle in college. He suffered a season-ending leg injury in 2014 (broken fibula, dislocated ankle), but according to him, the setback helped him improve as a player and a person.
"I just feel like it showed how I really love the game, how passionate I am, my dedication toward the game and my commitment," Treadwell said. "I feel blessed for sure. Coming back from that, having the team around me, the players to push me and my family to push me to get back, to stil inspire me to chase my dreams and believing in me. I just feel blessed and honored to be here."
