NFL Draft: Pro comparisons for the top 32 prospects in 2021
By Adam Patrick
NFL Draft 2021 Pro Comparisons: Rashod Bateman → Keenan Allen
When we look back in a few years, the group of wide receivers taken in the 2020 NFL Draft will likely be rated as one of the best sets of young pass-catchers to enter the league together. But when it comes to the receivers available in this year’s draft pool, they have a chance to be even better.
Former Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman is a big reason why this is even possible. During a different year, Bateman might have been one of the top two receivers taken off the draft board.
Bateman is one of the most polished receivers in the 2021 class. He’s an all-around pass-catcher that can be used in multiple offenses and he’s got the potential to develop into the best receiver to come out of this year’s draft.
Why he compares to Keenan Allen:
When it comes to current Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen, consistency is the perfect word to describe his career in the NFL. In three of his last four seasons, Allen has finished with at least 100 catches, 1,000 receiving yards, and six touchdowns.
His quarterbacks can depend on him to come up with a catch when they need it the most and this is how some might describe Bateman when he’s out on the field. Whether it’s on a deep ball or a quick route, the former Minnesota receiver has come up with a big play more often than not.
Allen is someone who probably doesn’t get enough notoriety for what he’s able to do out on the field each year because he’s not as flashy as some of the other top wide receivers around the NFL. But he’s all business and he just gets the job done, which is a great way to describe how Bateman performs when he throws on his helmet.