After three NFL seasons, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has produced just four touchdown receptions in 35 games played. Bateman’s 2021 four-year $12.5 million deal has amounted to little and the Ravens should consider drafting his successor.
RASHOD BATEMAN BREAKOUT SZN 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QIpiqkmG9w
— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) August 11, 2023
Timm Hamm of Sports Illustrated claims Bateman needs a change of scenery and possibly. Bateman’s skillset is undeniable. He’s quick, agile, and lengthy, all critical components of a possession receiver at the NFL level. However, Bateman has made receptions on just 60% of his targets throughout his short career. This may hint towards a lack of chemistry between him and quarterback Lamar Jackson or Jackson’s penchant to throw the ball elsewhere.
Contrarily, wide receiver Zay Flowers made receptions on 71% of his targets last year, likely due to his work in the short passing game. Bateman’s attributes may be more suitable in a pass-first offense, but the Ravens need to focus on doing what they do best: running the football.
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Coach John Harbaugh continues to endorse Bateman, and his optimism is contagious, but Harbaugh needs to understand that optimism won’t compensate for the salary cap shortcomings the team must overcome.
With the endless talent available in this years’ NFL Draft, the Ravens should be be looking to shop Bateman to a team who needs a wide receiver. The Ravens need to commit to their strengths, and that’s running the football, not convincing fans that Bateman will be something he’s yet to prove himself capable of being.