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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
Dec 26, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (12) celebrates after a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Rashod Bateman, WR, Baltimore Ravens

2021 Stats: 

  • 46 Receptions
  • 515 Yards
  • 1 TD

Rashod Bateman was a standout receiver for the Minnesota Gophers and then landed with the Baltimore Ravens at No. 27 in the 2021 NFL Draft — making him the first Golden Gopher since Laurence Maroney back in 2006 to go in Round 1.

It felt like a perfect fit from the start since this team really needed someone with some size on the outside, and Bateman landed with a franchise that has had a ton of success. Unfortunately, Bateman ended up being one of many players in Baltimore to suffer an injury last season.

A groin injury that required surgery sent him to the IR and he didn’t make his debut until Week 6 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He had four receptions for 29 yards in his debut then followed that up with two 80-yard performances sandwiched by a 52-yard game against Minnesota.

His big breakout came in a 24-22 loss to the Cleveland Browns when he had 103 yards on seven receptions. In all, he had 46 catches for 515 yards and one touchdown.

Of course, this all came with Lamar Jackson missing several games as well, so the hope is that Bateman can make some progress in year two. Overall, he showed flashes but has to stay healthy to reach his full potential.

Grade: B-

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