Fantasy Upside
Rashod Bateman is a fantastic rookie prospect. He reminds me of a faster Terrell Owens and I had him ranked second among my rookie receivers this year heading into April’s draft – behind Ja'Marr Chase. I’m that high on him. His addition to the Ravens offense could completely change the dynamic of the team, and there are already rumblings about how they want Lamar Jackson to throw the ball more. The team at least appears to be looking in that direction, adding Bateman in the first round, Sammy Watkins in free agency and Tylan Wallace in the fourth round. If they can even get to league-average in pass attempts – admittedly a big jump from last in the league – then Bateman’s ceiling grows exponentially.
Fantasy Downside
The Ravens haven’t produced a solid WR2 season in fantasy since Mike Wallace in 2016, and they haven’t had a WR1 option since Michael Jackson in 1996. There may simply not be enough targets for Bateman to thrive as a rookie. He also will be vying with Marquise Brown – 100 targets last season – and tight end Mark Andrews. If the Ravens don’t transform their offense, top-level production seems far-fetched, even if everything clicks for the rookie. Additionally, Bateman, of course, carries the usual uncertainty around being a rookie.
2021 Bottom Line
Bateman is in an interesting position as a fantasy asset. His landing spot on a run-heavy offense has had fantasy owners running scared from him. Normally, first-round rookies with a clear path to a starting gig get over-drafted based on potential. Bateman is available in the 14th round. That makes him a wonderful dart throw in all league formats, just in case his talent wins out over historical offensive scheming. Without much investment, Bateman’s range of outcomes makes him worth considering as an end-of-the-roster WR5 with significant upside.
