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

BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~155 Overall

CURRENT ADP: ~178

ANALYSIS: Even with a limited selection of games his final season at Minnesota, Bateman was the fifth wide receiver selected in the 2021 NFL draft, going to the Baltimore Ravens with the 27th pick in the first round. Bateman has the size, speed, and ability to develop into the top wide receiver for Baltimore as soon as his rookie season.

While Bateman is seen as a possession receiver, he showed an excellent ability to generate yards after reception while at Minnesota. He has experience playing outside and in the slot, giving him the versatility NFL teams covet at the position. He is an aggressive hands catcher who has the strength to pluck the ball out of the air and win contested catches.

His ADP is far too low for a player who could very easily establish himself as his team’s WR1 and command close to 100 targets based on a lack of legitimate competition around him. Bateman will operate in the short to intermediate areas and allow Marquise Brown to slot into a field stretcher role, which better suits him.

If I find myself in the ninth round of my redraft leagues this season, I will have no problem taking Rashod Bateman as a team’s WR4 knowing that he has the immense upside to finish as a top-30 wide receiver as soon as this season.

UPDATE: Bateman (core) had successful surgery and is reportedly ahead of his original 6-8 week timetable for return. The dynamic rookie receiver is profiling to be back sometime in late  September.

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