2021 NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys fix defense, Justin Fields slides to Broncos
By Randy Gurzi
WR. Minnesota. 15. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Rashod Bateman. player. 47
15. New England Patriots: Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota
In free agency, the New England Patriots added Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne, but neither of them is a No. 1 wide receiver in the NFL. They do have N’Keal Harry but so far, he too has been a question mark.
They did also add Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, which indicates a return to a tight end dominate offense, but why stop there? Bill Belichick is clearly on a mission to make sure he never again goes 7-9 and has spared no expense. So why stop adding weapons in the draft?
His win-now mantra leads to the Patriots grabbing yet another great option in the passing game as he picks up Rashod Bateman at No. 15. For years, Belichick has been struggling to land an elite receiver in the draft, and with Harry looking to be the next in a line of failed selections, Belichick decides to replace him quickly.
Bateman is one of the more refined wideouts in this class. He might not stand out like Ja’Marr Chase or have the Heisman Trophy like DeVonta Smith, but he really has no hole in his game. He’s got a full route tree, great hands, and more than enough speed to get deep. Put him on the same field as Bourne, Agholor, Henry, and Smith and this suddenly looks like a competent offense.
In the end, whether or not they’re a success will lie in what Cam Newton does — assuming they don’t make a move for someone such as Jimmy Garoppolo. That’s a big question after 2020, but at least we know it won’t be a lack of skill players on offense that holds this team back.