There’s a lot that still remains uncertain about the upcoming NFL football season, but it’s never too early to start looking ahead to next year.
The Tennessee Titans had a solid 2020 NFL Draft, picking up players like former Georgia offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson and ex-LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton.
But what about 2021?
In Brent Sobleski’s latest 2021 NFL mock draft for Bleacher Report, the Titans take 6-foot-2, 210-pound Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman at No. 18 overall in the first round.
Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman was one of three FBS receivers with 60 or more catches last season to average over 20 yards per reception, along with CeeDee Lamb and Ja’Marr Chase. The Dallas Cowboys drafted Lamb 17th overall this year, while Chase came off the board with the third pick in this mock. Bateman’s ability to stretch the field would be an excellent complement to Brown, who excels at creating after the catch.
Obviously, whether or not this pick becomes reality next April is going to depend on what happens with Corey Davis, who had his fifth-year option declined and is set to hit free agency in 2021.
If the Titans decide to bring him back, taking a wide receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft won’t be as high on the priority list. If Davis moves on, the position will be one of the most important for Tennessee to address.
If the Titans do end up in the market for a wideout, Batemon will certainly be on their radar.
The Minnesota receiver had a career year in 2019, totaling 60 receptions for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns. If college football is played this year and Bateman can repeat his past success, he’ll be one of the more attractive receivers in what is shaping up to be a deep class.
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