2021 NFL Mock Draft, post-free agency: Browns land Micah Parsons, Falcons shock with Kyle Pitts
By Randy Gurzi
19. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. WR. Minnesota. 58. Rashod Bateman
After signing Taylor Heinicke to a modest contract, the Washington Football Team turned around and released Alex Smith. It was tough to see Smith go especially after he overcame the serious leg injury he suffered. He was also still effective, winning five of his six starts in 2020.
Still, he made far too much money for what he brought to the table and Heinicke was impressive in his playoff start. That doesn’t mean they’re ready to turn it over to Heinicke as evidenced by the signing of veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick.
The journeyman will likely start this coming season while Heinicke sits behind him. They might spend this year seeing if Heinicke can develop enough to be the guy in the future or if they will have to go for another quarterback soon.
As they look to ensure whoever starts for them has all the tools they need, the Football Team adds Rashod Bateman at No. 19. It might sound like overkill with Curtis Samuel already joining Terry McLaurin but in today’s NFL, you need three capable wideouts and that would give them three. It would also mean they would have two players capable of performing on the edge while allowing Samuel to play in the slot.