The Baltimore Ravens selected wide receiver Rashod Bateman with the 27th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft. The team seems extremely excited about their new pass catcher, and Bateman should see plenty of opportunities early and often in Baltimore.
Ravens Director of Player Personnel Joe Hortiz broke down Baltimore’s draft class on Monday, and had some nice things to say about the former University of Minnesota product, raving about his route running and his suddenness.
Hortiz on Rashod Bateman: Raved about his polish and how he froze defenders with stutter steps. Pointed out how he has feel for route-running, bends route vs. safety help.
Hortiz feels Packers would have taken him at No. 29 (Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is a good friend of his).
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 24, 2021
Hortiz also talked about how Bateman is able to identify safety looks, and uses his awareness to put himself in good positions.
“I think one of the things that really stood out about Rashod [Bateman] is his safety awareness. That’s really critical, I think, for receivers to find success early is just overall awareness of the defense and what the defense is doing to him pre-snap, during the play, post-snap when everything is moving, when bodies are moving – to be able to process that, and I think he can do that pretty well with his instincts and his feel. That’s more advanced, certainly.”
Bateman’s skill set is something that the Ravens have missed in recent years, so he will be welcomed into Baltimore’s offense with open arms. Hortiz is excited about the team’s first pick of the 2021 draft, and rightfully so. With the right coaching and mentorship, he has the potential to develop into a phenominal player at the NFL level and become a true No. 1 wide receiver for the Ravens.
