Rashod Bateman (WR, BAL) - 2021 Fantasy Football Draft Values

BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~180 Overall

CURRENT ADP: ~215

ANALYSIS:  The passing volume in Baltimore is not ideal. The injury to Rashod Bateman is also not ideal and yet, I am suggesting him for your fantasy team. I'm betting on talent here. He was a first-round pick for a reason. As a sophomore in college, he racked up 60 catches for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns. That equaled a 20.3 yard per reception average.

Rashod Bateman with his current ADP of 198 on Underdog and 187 on DraftKings just feels like an absolute league winner in a top heavy tournament.

Someone you can pick up with your last few picks that can come in and make a splash when it matters most.

— Preston (@FF_Engineer_) August 26, 2021

The wide receiver depth chart in Baltimore is significantly lacking and it shouldn't take much for Bateman to climb to the top once he's healthy. Sammy Watkins, at this point of his career, is who he is, which is really nothing more than a depth piece. Marquise Brown is a role player, but Bateman was drafted to be the No. 1 receiver.

This passing offense might lack volume, but it's incredibly effective. It dipped a little bit last season, but Lamar Jackson has a career touchdown rate of 7.2%. Tom Brady is at 5.5% and Aaron Rodgers is at 6.3%. Jackson's yards per attempt average is 7.5, which is the same as Brady, while Rodgers is at 7.8. As fantasy managers, we'd love for there to be more volume and on the bright side, the Ravens talked about revamping their passing game this year, so there is some element of hope.

Still, efficiency is something we can hang our hats on. Bateman's college pedigree and draft status is another thing worth remembering. We continue to see rookie receivers bust out year after year -- and while it's unlikely Bateman busts out like CeeDee Lamb or Justin Jefferson, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if he becomes a WR3 with upside by season's end. Considering his current draft cost is borderline free, it's worth the investment and the stash.

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