2021 NFL Draft: Alabama sets first-round pick record in 2-round mock draft
By John Blair
2021 NFL Draft: Round 1, 27th overall
WR. 27. Scouting Report. Minnesota. Rashod Bateman. player. 26. Pick Analysis
One of the top priorities for the Ravens this offseason must be to improve their 32nd rated passing game last year. While part of this can be attributed to Lamar Jackson not being a great passing quarterback, the other part of the equation is a lack of threat in the passing game. The team currently only has one legitimate starting receiver in Marquise Brown, and he is more of your home run threat. The team needs to look for more of a possession receiver to team up with Brown this offseason.
The player who would be a perfect fit for this role is Minnesota’s, Rashod Bateman. Bateman was one of the most productive receivers in the nation in 2019 when he caught 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns. When watching his film it is impressive how crisp of a route runner he is and how sure-handed he is. These are the traits Baltimore desperately needs in a receiver.
If the team decided to address the defensive side of the ball instead, defensive end Jayson Oweh of Penn State could make sense here. This is a position of need as both starting defensive ends Yannick Ngakoue and Matthew Judon are set to become free agents this offseason.