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Fantasy Football Rankings 2021: Rookie wide receivers and dynasty

By Drew DeLuca

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Wide Receiver Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the LSU Tigers makes a catch over Cornerback A.J. Terrell #8 of the Clemson Tigers for a touchdown during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 13: Wide Receiver Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the LSU Tigers makes a catch over Cornerback A.J. Terrell #8 of the Clemson Tigers for a touchdown during the College Football Playoff National Championship game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. LSU defeated Clemson 42 to 25. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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COLLEGE PARK, MD: Rashod Bateman #0 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers warms up before a game against the Maryland Terrapins on October 30, 2020. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD: Rashod Bateman #0 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers warms up before a game against the Maryland Terrapins on October 30, 2020. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

2021 Fantasy Football Rookie WR4: Rashod Bateman

Rashod Bateman (6-0, 190) isn’t the biggest or fastest wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft, but has enough size, speed, and skill to produce in just about any offense. Few rookie wide receivers are as polished, and he may be the best route runner in the entire draft class.

Bateman’s efficiency metrics dipped when placed primarily in the slot in 2020, but he was highly productive when running routes while lined up outside, per Andrew Erickson of PFF:

"“On his 33% of snaps lined up outside, Bateman channeled his 2019 form: 83.9 PFF receiving grade, 209 receiving yards and an absurd 4.54 yards per route run, which ranked third-best in 2020.”"

This was no fluke, as Bateman burst on the scene as an outside receiver the year before when he caught 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns during the 2019 campaign. His film reel is likewise impressive and, while the comps might be just a bit rich, there is no shortage of analysts who are excited by Bateman’s prospects at the NFL level.

Fantasy football owners are hoping Bateman lands on an NFL team that can immediately offer him the opportunity to ascend to the role of alpha receiver sooner rather than later. We see him as a perfect fit for the Philadelphia Eagles at the top of Round 2 if the Packers and other teams pass him over on Thursday night.

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