2021 NFL Mock Draft: 49ers land Mac Jones, Kyle Pitts falls to Giants

By Randy Gurzi | Apr 7, 2021

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Mac Jones #10 of the Alabama Crimson Tide rolls out of the pocket during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

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Rashod Bateman, 2021 NFL mock draft. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Scouting Report. player. 57. Rashod Bateman. 20. Pick Analysis. WR. Minnesota

There aren’t very many happy Chicago Bears fans after they signed Andy Dalton, but the truth is, the Red Rifle was never expected to be anything more than a stop-gap. Still, the Bears need to get him as much help as they can while he’s in town.

Here, they add Minnesota wideout Rashod Bateman, who is one of the most pro-ready options in the class. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein says he has everything you need to be a star and can already be a good starter even before working on anything.

"“Has clever press release, but needs to eliminate some wasted motion and play quicker to make up for his average explosiveness off the line. Bateman plays with pro-ready hands and the upper-body agility needed to adjust in air and bring the ball in. He needs to play with grit in contested catch battles and do a better job of defending catch space. There are pro traits to mold but much more work is needed before he can be safely projected as a good NFL starter.” — Zierlein, NFL.com"

Chances are, the team only has Allen Robinson for one more season. Bateman can learn all he can from him and then be the No. 1 wideout in 2022 for whoever they land to replace Dalton.

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