The stars are aligning for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman to excel in his second year in the NFL. His college production, elite skillset, and ideal situation all point towards Bateman being a popular breakout selection in the 2022 NFL season.
College Production
The key detail about Bateman’s college career is the jump he made from year one to year two; he improved in every category. During his freshman year, he had 51 catches, 704 yards (13.8 avg), and six touchdowns. In his sophomore year, he put up 60 catches for 1219 yards (20.3 avg) and 11 touchdowns. His production, along with his fit with the Ravens, caused the Ravens to use the 27th overall pick on Bateman in the 2021 NFL draft (high draft capital!).
The Perfect Landing Spot
For starters, the Baltimore Ravens are a very well-run organization. They are equipped with stellar management and coaching, and always seem to be competitive. From a football standpoint, the Ravens desperately needed an outside target at the WR position that could be a big target for QB Lamar Jackson, make tough catches, and move the chains.
Rashod Bateman’s NFL draft profile heralded him as an outside prospect with great size, pro-ready hands, a clever release, and great adjustment in the air. He was everything that the Ravens needed when they drafted him.
Rookie Season
Bateman’s rookie season was nothing spectacular. He finished with 46 catches for 515 yards and one touchdown. However, the stats do not tell the entire story. Rashod Bateman passed the eye test in his rookie season. He was able to compete at the NFL level, win his individual matchups, and make plays that impacted the outcome of the game.
Getting Healthy
Rashod Bateman suffered a groin injury in August and he was not able to come back until late September. Those two months are invaluable to a rookie wide receiver in the NFL. It is time to learn the playbook, gel with the quarterback, and work on your craft. Heading into next season, Rashod Bateman will have an entire offseason to improve.
Additionally, the Baltimore Ravens were ravaged by injuries last season. It seemed as if every week a new player was going down with an injury. With a full offseason to rest, recover and train, I’m expecting the Ravens to get back to their offense in 2019 which lead the league in points scored. People have forgotten how explosive this offense can be.
Player Comparison: Michael Pittman
It is reasonable to expect Rashod Bateman to make the jump that Michael Pittman made from year one to year two. In his rookie season, Pittman had 40 catches for 503 yards and one touchdown (reminder that Bateman had 46 catches for 516 yards and one touchdown). That improved to 88 catches for 1082 yards and six touchdowns in year two. Pittman was drafted 34th overall, Bateman 27th. The Colts improved their overall offense from 2020 to 2021 just like the Ravens will improve their offense from 2021 to 2022. Ultimately, Rashod Bateman has everything necessary to be a true number one wide receiver in the NFL.
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