2021 NFL Draft: Best pick by every AFC North team

The 2021 NFL Draft has come and gone, but the analysis has only begun. This draft class will be under the microscope from their first snap on the field, like always. Every team is hoping their class will be excellent and be a cornerstone for a deep run at a Super Bowl.

The AFC North was no different. After a 2021 season that saw the Pittsburgh Steelers rise and fall quickly by playoff time, and a Cleveland Browns team that earned a playoff berth for the first time since 2002, and advanced to the divisional round. The Baltimore Ravens advanced that far as well, and have a bright future ahead.

The 2021 NFL Draft still brought about questions for each team. How would the Browns attack the draft with a loaded roster? Would the Steelers select a quarterback? The Cincinnati Bengals needed to protect Joe Burrow better after his season-ending injury, and would they do it?

All those questions were answered and more in the 2021 NFL Draft. What was the best pick by each team in the division? Let’s take a look.

Baltimore Ravens: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

Round 1, 27th Overall

The Ravens had a pair of first round picks after the trade that sent Orlando Brown to the Kansas City Chiefs. Finding a big time weapon on the perimeter was important to help out Lamar Jackson’s development as a passer, and Baltimore did so with their first pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Getting an elite talent like Rashod Bateman at the end of the first was huge. Bateman has all the makings of a true “X” receiver in the NFL. His release package is extremely developed, and he is a three level threat as a route runner. Bateman is excellent at the top of his stem at creating separation, and is a true route salesman with double moves. While his 2020 tape wasn’t as impressive as 2019, the craziness that was last fall should get thrown out in this case.

Bateman can be an impact playmaker from day one, and his big catch radius and work in contested spots will earn the trust of Jackson early on.