With the 28th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Ravens draft Rashod Bateman, wide receiver out of Minnesota. Bateman and Tyler Johnson were an unstoppable duo for the Gophers and Bateman got even more dangerous once Tyler Johnson was drafted. Although he was only able to play in five games due to the shortened season, he averaged nearly 100 receiving yards a game.
Rashod Bateman Highlights
Rashod Bateman NFL Draft Profile and Stats
Rashod Bateman
Position: Wide Receiver
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 210 lbs
Age: 21
College: Minnesota Golden Gophers
Rashod Bateman 2020 Stats
Games: 5
Receptions: 36
Receiving Yards: 472
Yards Per Reception: 13.1
Receiving Touchdowns: 2
Rashod Bateman Draft Profile
Strengths
- Fantastic route runner
- Good separation moves at the line
- Great at in air adjustments
- Sneaky speed
- Makes defenders miss after the catch
Weaknesses
- Limited when against physical corners
- Doesn’t box out defenders from getting to the ball
- Run blocking hasn’t been seen
RELATED | Full Rashod Bateman NFL Draft Profile, Highlights and Stats
What to Expect From Rashod Bateman in 2021
If this past year’s playoffs were any indication, Lamar Jackson needs wide receivers. Rashod Bateman is a big target who can more than fill that role. The Ravens do have Marquise Brown and Sammy Watkins at the one and two, but don’t be too surprised if Bateman not only surpasses Watkins, but becomes a 1A and 1B with Brown. His presence alone will take pressure off of Brown and will stop defenses from simply mauling Mark Andrews.
Bateman has good speed and is a big target which is a must for a quarterback like Lamar Jackson. While the former MVP deserves his respect, he didn’t win it because of his pinpoint passing accuracy. Bateman and his large catching radius will help mitigate that issue while his ability to break tackles can and will make him a sneaky steal late in fantasy drafts.
