One NFL rookie critical to every team’s success in 2021
Most Important 2021 NFL Rookies: AFC North
Baltimore Ravens: WR Rashod Bateman
Getting a playmaker for Lamar Jackson was the focal point of the Baltimore Ravens. Reshaping their offensive philosophy to exploit defenses with the passing game will be on full display this season. They made sure of it with some offseason moves like the addition of Sammy Watkins. And they added Rashod Bateman in the 2021 NFL Draft.
The former Minnesota wideout comes in ready to line up outside. He’s a good, smooth route-runner with body control and snap on route stems. Reliable hands and jaw-dropping catches will get the fanbase excited. With the ball, he’s elusive, capable of making guys miss. He’ll come in with the expectations of playing a role as a primary target in a run-first offense. The combo of Watkins, Marquise Brown and Bateman should give the Ravens a new-look passing game.
Cincinnati Bengals: WR Ja’Marr Chase
Joe Burrow’s injury cut what could have been a good rookie season short. He’s looking to come back and prove he’s worthy of the No. 1 overall pick. Cincinnati Bengals general manager Duke Tobin made sure to get his quarterback a weapon. Not just any weapon, one he has a history with: LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
At 6-foot, 201 pounds, Chase is a dynamic wideout who dominates at the catch point. He’s sudden and explosive with the potential to be a great route-runner. Once he has the ball, he makes things happen with his tenacity and break-away speed. Chase gives the Bengals another weapon to pair with Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins and Auden Tate. Burrow could lead one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.
Cleveland Browns: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah
Cleveland Browns fans are hyped after last season. Promise is on the horizon for what could be another playoff season. Defensively, the Browns have the potential to dominate. Myles Garrett leads the way as the elite talent in the front seven. They’re loaded in the secondary with talented young, versatile defensive backs. In the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, general manager Andrew Berry added a key piece to their defense, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.
The former Fighting Irish star is the type of player Joe Woods needs on his defense. He’s a hybrid linebacker/safety with elite athletic traits and playmaking ability. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker plays with high energy when attacking. He can rush the passer in certain situations from anywhere on the field. He’s capable of lining up in man coverage or dropping into zone. Woods will use him as a chess piece and the Browns will be better because of it.
Pittsburgh Steelers: RB Najee Harris
A void at the running back position hampered the Pittsburgh Steelers since Le’Veon Bell left the team. James Conner did a solid job, but there was a spark missing. They needed a back who could carry the offense with Big Ben being on his last leg. In the 2021 NFL Draft, the Steelers made it happen by taking Alabama running back Najee Harris. Harris and the Steelers are a match made in football heaven.
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Most mock drafts had the Steelers taking Harris — for good reason. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound back has workhorse potential. He’s a downhill runner who fights for extra yards. He has enough wiggle to make guys miss in small spaces. When he gets rolling, he’s hard to stop. He’s also a reliable threat on third-downs with soft hands and improved route running. Expect the Steelers to rely on Harris and run him into the Rookie of the Year conversation.