2021 NFL Draft: Keep an eye on Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman

Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman is an exciting 2021 NFL Draft prospect to watch

LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase is the clear WR1 in the 2021 NFL Draft and that is unlikely to change throughout the season. Chase is an extremely gifted wide receiver prospect who has absolutely massive upside at the next level. However, there are plenty of other receivers in the 2021 NFL Draft class who are worth keeping an eye on, most notably, Rashod Bateman out of Minnesota.

In 13 games last season, Bateman caught 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns. Even playing alongside Tyler Johnson, the most decorated receiver in Minnesota history, Bateman was able to make a massive impact on the field for the Golden Gophers. With Johnson moving on to the NFL, Bateman is set up for a massive season as the obvious number one target in Minnesota.

An exciting 2021 NFL Draft prospect with big-time upside

Bateman is listed at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds and he knows how to use his size extremely well. He shows fantastic natural body control and has a knack for positioning his body to keep the defender away from the ball. Bateman also shows extremely strong hands and incredible concentration when the ball is in the air.

He does a fantastic job in contested-catch situations and has a knack for the spectacular play, easily snatching the ball out of the air with one hand many times. Bateman also has sneaky deep speed and can create a bit after the catch.

Simply put, this guy is just a tremendous playmaker on the outside who will likely put up massive numbers catching passes from Tanner Morgan as the number one option in the Minnesota offense. Bateman was fantastic in 2019, but he will likely absolutely explode this season.

Make no mistake about it, Bateman has tremendous upside at the wide receiver position and could make a legitimate run as the top receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft class. Chase will likely be the top receiver off of the board, but Bateman could give him a run for his money.