NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

5 Breakout star candidates for the 2022 NFL season

By Kris Mcandrews

Apr 25, 2022; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) works out during a Denver Broncos mini camp at UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2022; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) works out during a Denver Broncos mini camp at UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
NFL
Jan 2, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (12) makes a reception in the fourth quarter defended by Los Angeles Rams safety Jordan Fuller (4) and cornerback Dont’e Deacon (21) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 NFL Breakout Star: Rashod Bateman – WR, Baltimore Ravens

26. . . . Rashod Bateman, WR. 2. player

If you ask anyone in football circles who has the best chance to break out this season, a popular choice will be Rashod Bateman.  He was on my shortlist before the Ravens (rightfully) sent Hollywood Brown packing, and I’m even more excited for him now.

His rookie season won’t be remembered for anything positive really. After missing the first five games with a core injury he struggled to find a consistent role in the offense. He had 46 catches for 515 yards and only 1 score in 2021.

That will change in 2022.

The Ravens invested a first-round pick here for a reason. Bateman is a solid receiver with few flaws in his game. His ability to gain separation is excellent.

Couple this with Lamar Jackson and his ability to move around and manipulate the defense I can see some unscripted fireworks developing between them.

Bateman is raw and unproven in the NFL. With no other WR options jumping off the page and close to 150 targets leaving town with Hollywood Brown there is a void to fill and I expect him to take full advantage of the situation.

Pro Bowl numbers are definitely possible here.

Ravens fans should be excited about that.

Home/NFL