INDIANAPOLIS —Ole Miss receiver Laquon Treadwell doesn't take anything for granted.
A horrific leg injury in 2014 taught him to take that approach.
It's also why he hasn't paid much attention to the buzz that he's regarded as the best receiver in this year's draft class.
"I have been through so much, coming back from that injury to being here today,'' Treadwell said from the NFL Combine on Thursday. "It makes you appreciate the game more, and it makes you want to work harder. I just don't take the game for granted. My mentality for the game is completely different."
The Titans need help at the receiver position, even after drafting Dorial Green-Beckham in the second round of last year's draft.
In addition to Green-Beckham, the Titans have veterans Kendall Wright and Harry Douglas, in addition to Justin Hunter. Wright and Hunter are headed into the final year of their respective deals, however.
On Wednesday, Titans coach Mike Mularkey said he'd like to see more out of Wright in 2016. The same also applies to the inconsistent Hunter.
"Kendall knows we are looking for more from him this year,'' Mularkey said. "And Marcus (Mariota) is looking for more from him. Everybody in that position, there's a lot of expectations. We're hoping scheme and coaching and all of the above will help these guys help us."
Treadwell would be a nice addition to the group, although he's not considered a possibility with the No.1 pick, and he's not expected to be around when the Titans pick in the second round at pick No.33.
He could be an option of the Titans made a trade, however.
"I think Jon (Robinson) has said it numerous times: Can they get open and can they catch it? It is pretty simple,'' Mularkey said when asked what he's looking for at the position. "And it's interesting when you start, when you look at it that way, you start watching guys. Do they have the ability actually to get open when they're pressed, when the guy over them is a better player, the disadvantages against him, can he still win? And when he does win, does he make a play on the ball?"
NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock likes Treadwell, but said he's not sure he'll blown away defensive backs with his speed.
"I don't think he's a 4.4 [40-yard dash] guy at all," Mayock said of Treadwell. "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."
Treadwell said he expects to be in the 4.5-range in the 40, but he won't run here at the Combine.
No one disputes Treadwell's toughness, and determination. Back in 2014, in a game against Auburn, Treadwell suffered a broken fibula and dislocated ankle.
He came back to have an impressive 2015 season, when he caught 82 passes for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns.
"I think I'll only continue to get better. I love playing football. I am passionate about it,'' he said. "I wouldn't say I would model my game after anyone. I do like the way Dez Bryant plays, the way he attacks the ball and makes the difficult plays. The similarity is there but I don't like to model myself after anyone. I like to learn and create my own style of play."
Titans head coach Mike Mularkey and GM Jon Robinson make media rounds at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. (Photos: Gary Glenn, Dwight Spradlin)
