2021 NFL Draft: Five team fits for Minnesota WR Rashod Bateman

Finding the best team fits for 2021 NFL Draft prospect Rashod Bateman.

It was big news out of college football today, as Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman decided to opt-out of the 2020 season and prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft. Bateman confirmed it in a video from his account this morning.

It’s obviously a tough decision for a player to make, but Bateman’s ultimately making the decision he feels is safest for his long term health and safety.

Bateman had a breakout season in 2019, catching 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns. With Tyler Johnson moving on to the NFL, Bateman was in line for a big-time market share in the Golden Gophers offense.

Instead, he will begin training for the 2021 NFL Draft, where he has the potential to be a first-round pick. Many analysts already have a first-round grade on him, but it’s hard to know where the NFL stands at the moment.

Bateman has a lot of traits that translate well to the next level. He has a very good release package to gain initial separation and is an advanced route runner at all three levels of the field. His hands and ball skills are also impressive. Bateman isn’t an elite athlete, but his skills make up for it.

So where could Bateman end up next April in the 2021 NFL Draft? It’s hard to tell at this point, but there are definitely teams that need help at the wide receiver position. From getting a dominant “X” player in the building to a great fit with a quarterback, there are five teams that come to mind when discussing Rashod Bateman’s fit. Let’s take a look at which teams fit best.