Rashod Bateman is at or near the top of every “these Baltimore Ravens players really need to have a breakout season” list. He hasn’t come close to living up to expectations in his first three years in the league.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that Bateman also tops every “these Ravens are poised to have a breakthrough season” list.
Several members of the Ravens player roster and coaching staff have expressed their belief that the former Minnesota Golden Golden will excel this season.
Perhaps no one is stronger than the Ravens’ tight end, Mark Andrews.
“I think he looks incredible,” Andrews said.
“Everything — his route flying, catching the ball, being where he’s supposed to be — he has it down to a science. I know he’s worked really hard, but he looks about as put together as he’s ever been.
“So, it’s going to be a big year for Rashod Bateman. I’m calling it now.”
That’s a bold statement, as Bateman is yet to reach 50 receptions or 600 yards receiving in a single campaign.
He also has just four career touchdown receptions. Still, the 27th overall pick in the 2021 draft is said to have had a fantastic offseason, and he looks to be in great shape in the video below, which shows him jumping hurdles.
Ravens WR Rashod Bateman continues to train ahead of training camp pic.twitter.com/JvXfFzjqhk
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) July 9, 2024
Bateman has said that he’s feeling as healthy as ever, and the video above certainly backs up that claim.
Andrews isn’t the only Raven who’s bullish on Bateman this offseason.
“[It would] probably [be Rashod] Bateman,” first round draft pick Nate Wiggins said, when he was asked who the toughest receiver to cover in practice was.
“He’s just shifty [and] has a lot of quickness in the route.”
Then you have coach John Harbaugh saying back at the combine that Bateman will take “a big step” this upcoming season.
Not to mention general manager Eric DeCosta, who proclaimed that Bateman’s “best football is ahead of him” during the draft in April.