Patriots: 1st-round 2021 NFL Draft targets after FA spending spree
When it comes to NFL-readiness, Rashod Bateman is extremely underrated by the masses.
The 2020 season was weird for everyone, but the 2019 selection for Big Ten WR of the Year has been flying under the radar a bit after a “down” season statistically. That shouldn’t ultimately matter all that much.
What Bateman has put on tape over the past couple of seasons is unquestionably first-round worthy, and he’s received some lofty comparisons to players like Keenan Allen for his route running.
The biggest difference between a player like Bateman and Keenan Allen?
Speed.
Few wide receivers in this year's draft know how to just get open better than Minnesota's Rashod Bateman, who is also so physical and plays with an edge.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 3, 2021
He recently ran a laser-timed 4.39 40 at 6-2 and 210 pounds too. He's a big play waiting to happen. pic.twitter.com/VMfE2YJs5W
With his combination of size, speed, route running ability, and strong hands at the catch point, why is Bateman not being talked about more as a WR1 type of guy?
He could be this year’s version of Justin Jefferson in the right situation, and the Patriots could be that “right” situation.
Averaging over 20 yards per reception in 2019, Bateman showed that he is capable of blowing the top off of defenses and making big plays both downfield and after the catch. There is no question he would be able to be an impact player in New England in year one and they certainly have a need at receiver.