Rashod Bateman | Minnesota 6’0” 190 lbs. 11/29/1999 (Age 21)
Rashod Bateman was drafted 27th overall by the Baltimore Ravens, becoming the fifth wide receiver and 27th overall player in the 2021 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Receptions | Yards | Yards/Catch | TDs |
| 2017 (FR) | 13 | 51 | 704 | 13.8 | 6 |
| 2018 (SO) | 13 | 60 | 1,219 | 20.3 | 11 |
| 2019 (JR) | 5 | 36 | 472 | 13.1 | 2 |
Rashod Bateman produced 147 career receptions for 2,395 yards and 19 touchdowns during his three seasons at Minnesota University. During his freshman season, Bateman made himself known by catching 51 passes for 704 yards and six touchdowns. He then turned into one of the most productive receivers in the nation during his sophomore season. In 15 games played, Bateman tallied 60 receptions for 1,219 yards (14th in NCAA) and 11 touchdowns (T-18th in NCAA). Although he only played in five games during his junior season, he still produced 36 receptions for 472 yards and two touchdowns. If he were to keep that pace during a 15-game season, he would have hypothetically produced 108 receptions for 1,416 yards and six touchdowns.
STRENGTHS
Although he isn’t a tall receiver, he plays like one, and he shows soft hands with decent route-running skills. He wins a lot of jump balls over smaller defenders, and he is able to win 50/50 balls at a high catch point. He’s a great athlete, and he has good speed for his size (4.39 40-yard dash time). He is able to beat defenders on vertical routes, and he has a high ceiling.
WEAKNESSES
Bateman lacks instant acceleration from the line of scrimmage. He tends to lack speed when attempting to flip cornerbacks on curl and hitch routes. He also needs to work on catching contested passes over the middle.
ATHLETIC TESTING
At his Minnesota Pro Day, Bateman measured in at 6’0” and 190 lbs. Which equates to a BMI of 25.5. He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, equating to a 102.31-Speed Score, and at 6’0” that is a 101.5-Height Adjusted Speed Score, both figures are in the top 67th percentile or higher. Bateman performed at an “average” level during his Pro Day. His 36” vertical jump won’t scream “elite,” and he finished with the 21st best broad jump amongst wide receivers (123”) entering the draft. He doesn’t have elite speed nor elite athleticism, but he’s a polished receiver that looks pro-ready.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent
Bateman was selected with the 27th-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.
Lamar Jackson gets another weapon to add to his arsenal. The Ravens desperately needed help at the wide receiver position. Bateman should instantly start at one of the receiver spots alongside Marquise Brown and Sammy Watkins.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Bateman will more than likely serve as a WR1/2 for his new team. He should make an immediate fantasy impact, and he surely has the skills and traits to produce in the long run. He’s a top-5 wide receiver in this class, and he should be a top-50 wide receiver overall this year. He projects to be a WR3/4 starting the season, and you shouldn’t hesitate to draft him in the second round in Dynasty Leagues.
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