A potential first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Bateman joins Virginia Tech cornerback Caleb Farley as the most high-profile players so opt out of the 2020 season so far.
Listed at 6-2, 210 pounds, Bateman caught 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Golden Gophers last season, averaging more than 20 yards per reception.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, more players are expected to opt out and begin preparations for next year’s draft as opposed to risking their health and safety playing this season.
Bateman was already a popular 1st-round mock draft target
One of the top wide receiver prospects entering the 2020 college season has decided he’s going straight to the 2021 NFL Draft. Minnesota Golden Gophers standout Rashod Bateman has opted to sit out the college season and will spend the next few months prepping for the draft and the NFL.
Bateman has been a common fixture in first-round mock drafts for 2021 already. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Golden Gopher posted 60 catches for over 1,200 yards and 11 TDs in a breakout 2019 season. NFL.com draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah recently compared Bateman to New Orleans Saints standout Michael Thomas, while others have noted his similarity to perennial Pro Bowler Jarvis Landry.
Expect the Lions to take note of Bateman’s decision. The team is starving for wide receiver talent in the long-term, with only fifth-round rookie Quintez Cephus locked up beyond the upcoming season at this point. Marvin Jones, Kenny Golladay, Danny Amendola and Marvin Hall — the Lions’ top four wide receivers — are all entering the final year of their respective contracts.
The second college star has declared for the NFL. Minnesota's Rashod Bateman is leaving. He'll be one of the draft's top wide receivers.
Will the Titans add to their receiving corps in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft?
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.
Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman could help the Packers at WR, a position the team avoided in the 2020 draft.
The Green Bay Packers didn’t take a wide receiver in the 2020 draft, but maybe Brian Gutekunst’s big investment at the position will finally arrive in 2021.
Draft Wire’s way too early mock draft for next year predicts the Packers will use a late pick in the first round on Minnesota receiver Rashod Bateman, one of the top returning pass-catchers in the country.
The Packers haven’t taken a wide receiver in the first round of a draft since drafting Javon Walker at No. 20 overall in 2002.
If he declares for next year’s draft, Bateman might be worth snapping the Packers’ receiver-less streak.
As a sophomore in 2019, Bateman caught 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns, both school records for a sophomore. He was named an All-American, a first-team All-Big Ten pick, the Big Ten receiver of the year and a Biletnikoff Award finalist. Bateman has seven 100-yard games and 17 touchdowns in just 26 appearances.
Bateman’s teammate, Tyler Johnson, was drafted in the fifth round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, opening the door for Bateman to handle even more targets from Tanner Morgan in 2020. Another strong season should solidify Bateman’s status as a top prospect in the 2021 draft.
No one can know if receiver will remain a primary need after the 2020 season. The Packers are hoping for a big season from Allen Lazard and Devin Funchess and bounce-back performances from Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Equanimeous St. Brown to stabilize the position behind Davante Adams.
The Baltimore Ravens add to their offensive weapons with WR Rashod Bateman while getting more DL depth with Phidarian Mathis in this mock
The 2020 regular season hasn’t even hit yet but that doesn’t mean we can’t start thinking ahead to what the offseason might bring. That’s precisely what Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling did, taking a look at what the 2021 NFL Draft might look like in about 10 months.
Using the latest Super Bowl odds to set the draft order, Easterling played general manager for the Baltimore Ravens and every other team in a two-round mock draft. With the 30th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Easterling has the Ravens taking Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
Just like we saw in the 2020 NFL Draft, the top wide receivers came off the board well before Baltimore was on the clock Bateman is the fifth wide receiver selected but that doesn’t mean he’s some scrub, however.
Bateman has good size at 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds. But more importantly, Bateman has great hands and good route running to make him a complete wide receiver. He’s got the straight-line speed to be a deep threat, and the physicality and agility to turn an underneath reception into a touchdown. He could fit in well in the slot or be pushed to the outside in Baltimore’s scheme, all depending on how Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin perform this year.
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Easterling wasn’t done with just one round though, picking through a second round. While he boosted the Ravens’ offense in the first round, Easterling double-dipped on Baltimore’s tendencies, picking Alabama defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis with the 62nd overall pick.
Mathis can play a bunch of different roles on the defensive line, having the size to eat up space in run support and the athleticism to get into the backfield and harass quarterbacks. That versatility would come in handy for the Ravens, who have a bunch of their defensive linemen set to be free agents next offseason or the year after.
Mathis being taken in the second round might be a little projection on the part of Easterling, however. While Mathis certainly looks the part on paper, he’s still pretty raw in his technique. But as we see every year, some players have it all come together seemingly overnight as they enter their final year in college. If Mathis can refine his technique a little more to match his physical attributes, he easily could be a second-round pick Baltimore would love to have.
Philadelphia Eagles could find a star at WR during 2021 NFL Draft
The Philadelphia Eagles will have some salary cap issues to resolve over the next few seasons and the team will need to draft well in hopes of not wasting Carson Wentz’s prime years.
The key to the retool will be continuing to solidify the offensive line while surrounding Carson Wentz with big-time playmakers on the outside.
Howie Roseman started the process in April, selecting three receivers, and trading for another during the 2020 NFL Draft. First-round pick Jalen Reagor is expected to make an immediate impact, while late-round selections John Hightower and Quez Watkins should add speed to the roster.
Marquise Goodwin acquired in a trade with the 49ers, will try to stay healthy and will only be a one-year rental.
For Roseman and the Eagles, the 2021 draft will provide an efficient opportunity to properly move on from DeSean Jackson, who turns 34 in December. Alshon Jeffery is recovering from foot surgery and may not be ready for the start of the season, which will probably be his final in Philadelphia.
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside failed to meet expectations as a rookie and could be battling for his Eagles career this season.
The Eagles could and should be in the market for a wide receiver heading into next year’s draft and the 2021 selection process could be more historic than the 2020 class that saw six receivers go in the first round.
With the Eagles being focused on the future, cutting costs while getting younger and cheaper, here are 10 wide receivers Philadelphia could have interest in during the next years 2021 NFL Draft.
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1. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, LSU (6-1, 200)
The best wide receiver in college football last season didn’t even enter the NFL Draft and he’ll return to Baton Rouge for one more impressive season.
Chase had a monster sophomore year, leading the LSU offense in receiving yards (1,780), receiving touchdowns (20) and yards per catch (21.2) and he’ll likely be gone before the Eagles pick.
The Baltimore Ravens add another weapon for Lamar Jackson in this way-too-early mock of the 2021 NFL Draft.
The 2020 NFL Draft is over and teams are working on signing all their picks. But that won’t stop anyone from looking ahead a full year and speculating what could happen in the 2021 NFL Draft. That’s exactly what Luke Easterling of Draft Wire did, putting together a way-too-early mock draft of the first round.
Using the current Super Bowl odds, the Baltimore Ravens hold the No. 31 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and Easterling has them further improving their wide receiver corps, grabbing Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman.
As we saw this year, the Ravens aren’t afraid to stack more talent at a pretty deep position. And while they have Marquise Brown, Miles Boykin, Devin Duvernay and James Proche from just the last two drafts, it won’t preclude them from picking up yet another wide receiver, especially with a playmaker like Bateman still on the board. Though it’s too early to do full scouting reports on players for the 2021 NFL Draft, his film from 2019 is more than enough to get excited about.
Baltimore has focused heavily on getting wide receivers with great hands and that would continue with Bateman. On film, you’ll see Bateman stretch out for balls, catch them in traffic and pull off insane one-handed grabs. You’ll also see Bateman playing both inside and outside, using speed and his physicality to either beat defenders deep or make them try to tackle his 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame underneath. Just take a look at his highlight reel to get a good glimpse of what he could do for the Ravens.
Bateman will be looking to improve upon his 60 receptions for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdown catches in 2019. If he can do that, Bateman might be gone well before the Ravens get on the clock.
Some takeaways from the first half of the Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe
As expected, the battle between Wisconsin and Minnesota was intense and a tough fight for the first 30 minutes. Here’s how it happened:
Fast start for Gophers
After a scoreless drive from the Badgers to kick off the game, the Gophers got the ball and scored very quickly.
On first and 10, quarterback Tanner Morgan threw an incompletion to star wideout Rashod Bateman. Seconds later, Morgan went back to Bateman on a wide-open deep ball, scoring an easy 51-yard score to put Minnesota up 7-0.
15 seconds without the ball, and the Badgers already trailed against their biggest rivals.
Badgers have answers
Initially, Wisconsin had a solid drive that turned into a disappointing three points, but the Badgers finally got some points on the board, cutting the deficit to 7-3.
After forcing a punt on the defensive side, Wisconsin answered with a seven play, 82-yard long drive, keyed by a major catch and run from Jake Ferguson on third down.
All-American Jonathan Taylor capped off the drive with a 28-yard touchdown catch, impressively catching the ball and falling backwards into the end zone.
Neither team was especially impressive, and each squad a lost a turnover, but nevertheless, Wisconsin played well enough to hold the halftime lead, and be just one half away from a Big Ten championship appearance against the Buckeyes.
Here are five Minnesota Gophers who Badger fans should keep a close eye on throughout Saturday’s matchup between Wisconsin and Minnesota.
The matchup Badger fans have been eagerly anticipating all season is finally upon us, as No. 12 Wisconsin will look to take back Paul Bunyan’s Axe from No.10 Minnesota in the Twin Cities on Saturday afternoon in this year’s rendition of one of college football’s most heated rivalries. As if the game was in need of any more hype, this year’s showdown between these two bitter foes will also serve as a Big Ten West championship game, with the winner destined for a berth in the conference title game in Indianapolis.
It’s been a dream season for head coach P.J. Fleck’s Golden Gophers, whose only loss of the season to this point came a couple of weeks ago against Iowa in a thriller at Kinnick Stadium. Fleck has clearly elevated his program to new heights, and after Minnesota’s beatdown of the Badgers at Camp Randall at the end of last season, it appears as though the days of Wisconsin’s consistent dominance over its border rival are over.
It was a bit of a surprise to find the Badgers listed as 3-point favorites in this one as of Wednesday morning, but after getting embarrassed by the Gophers last season, it would be shocking if they don’t come to play on Saturday. However, make no mistake, it will be an uphill battle for Wisconsin to slow down this Minnesota squad in what is sure to be a hostile atmosphere on the road. These aren’t the Gophers Badger fans have grown accustomed to routinely pounding anymore, as Fleck has a squad loaded with talent, especially on offense.
Here are five players on the opposing sideline who Badger fans should keep a close eye on throughout the game.
Tanner Morgan – Quarterback
2019 stats: 67.9% passing, 2,679 yds, 26 TD, 5 INT
Morgan has been a revelation under center for the Gophers this season, emerging as one of the Big Ten’s top quarterbacks seemingly out of nowhere after not even serving as Minnesota’s full-time starter last year. His production has been key to the program’s shocking level of success in 2019.
The Davey O’Brien Award semifinalist is the conference’s leader in passing yards and trails only Ohio State’s Justin Fields in passing touchdowns and passing efficiency rating. Morgan is a good bet to throw for at least 200 yards each time out, reaching that benchmark in seven of Minnesota’s 11 games this season.
Wisconsin’s secondary struggled yet again against Purdue last weekend, which isn’t great news for the Badgers as they prepare to stifle the most potent aerial attack they have seen all season aside from Ohio State. If defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard doesn’t come up with some effective schematic changes to bolster the passing defense, Morgan and his talented wide receiver corps are going to shred the Badgers all afternoon.
Tyler Johnson – Wide Receiver
2019 stats: 66 rec, 1,025 yds (15.5 avg), 10 TD
Nov 9, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Tyler Johnson (6) catches a one handed touchdown pass over Penn State Nittany Lions cornerback Keaton Ellis (2) in the first half at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota could have the two best wide receivers in the conference, and there’s a case to be made that Johnson is at the top of the list.
The senior is putting the finishing touches on a marvelous career in the Twin Cities, and he’s doing so with a bang. Johnson is already over 1,000 receiving yards for the second year in a row, leading the conference in that category as well as receiving touchdowns. The only player he trails in receptions is the next one on this list.
Johnson had a solid outing in Minnesota’s victory over Wisconsin last season (four catches for 76 yards), and he enters Saturday’s matchup on a bit of a hot streak, having gone over 100 receiving yards in the Gophers’ last three games.
EVANSTON, Ill. — There’s no trophy to distinguish the Northwestern-Minnesota series. If there was one, what would it be, a mitten? A mini-snowblower? An icicle?
In the absence of an official trophy, there was one that appeared to unofficially change hands between the two teams after the conclusion of Saturday’s game: the Big Ten West crown.
The Wildcats, coming off a nine-win season that took them to the Big Ten Championship Game, have taken a significant step backward this year, and have failed to win a single conference game this season. While Northwestern has been mired in the basement of the West, the Golden Gophers have stood atop it, soaring to unprecedented heights in P.J. Fleck’s third season at the helm of the program.
Undefeated for nine weeks, Minnesota fell at Iowa last week, a loss that has likely doomed their outside bid at a College Football Playoff berth. But their postseason ambitions aren’t completely dead in the water, as a two-loss Wisconsin team has made it increasingly likely that Minnesota will represent the West Division in the Big Ten title game.
Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck leads his team onto the field against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field. (Photo credit: David Banks — USA TODAY Sports)
Powered by an excellent performance from quarterback Tanner Morgan, and a near-perfect day from receivers Tyler Johnson and Rashod Bateman, the No. 11 ranked Gophers (9-1, 7-1 Big Ten) never trailed in a commanding 38-22 win over Northwestern (2-9, 0-8 Big Ten), and are one win closer to Indianapolis, a capstone to a once-in-a-generation season.
Morgan, whose status for Saturday’s game was in question heading into the week, was cleared to play in the days leading up to the contest after entering concussion protocol, assuaging concerns that Minnesota would have to start a redshirt-freshman quarterback in his place.
Morgan, who has been first-rate all season, threw for four touchdowns and 211 yards, tying his season-high in touchdown passes in a game. The sophomore led a torrid passing attack that evenly targeted Johnson and Bateman with seven receptions apiece.
The Gophers blitzed out to a quick 21-0 lead in the first half, and with Northwestern’s offense generating just 88 yards of total offense, it looked like the rout was on.
Bateman jump-started the Minnesota offense on their first drive, snagging a perfectly-placed throw over safety Travis Whillock on a post route for a 19-yard score. The redshirt-senior topped that impressive catch in the second quarter with an arguably even better play, beating Trae Williams on a double move before extending his arms to make a toe drag catch near the front left pylon.
Running back Shannon Brooks practically walked-in a nine-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
Minnesota is now 19-1 under Fleck when they lead after the first quarter.
To their credit, Northwestern finished the first half strong, denying the Gophers any more points. A 67-yard boot off the leg of punter Andrew David pinned Minnesota inside their five-yard line with nine minutes to play in the half. On the first play of the Minnesota drive, senior defensive lineman Joe Gaziano scored a safety by pressuring Morgan in the end zone, forcing a throw out-of-bounds that sailed short of the first-down marker. After it was ruled a sack, Gaziano became Northwestern’s all-time leader in the category with 28.5, a proud moment for the senior.
“It was a big momentum play, because our offense gets the ball back and we scored a nine-point swing in the game,” said Gaziano. “I was really excited for the guys to be able to grasp momentum like that.”
The safety ignited a 14-play, 69-yard drive that ended with an Andrew Marty connection with sophomore Jace James in the endzone to make it 21-9.
While Morgan was predictably reliable, Northwestern’s quarterback carousel continued to be unpredictable heading into Saturday’s game.
After sustaining an injury in last week’s game against UMass, Aidan Smith was listed as doubtful in Thursday’s injury report, leading many to make the assumption that Andrew Marty would make the start for the ‘Cats.
Except, he didn’t. ESPN’s Rece Davis revealed a couple hours before kickoff on College Gameday that Johnson would be the starter.
Oh, Pat Fitzgerald and his depth chart shenanigans.
Northwestern quarterback Hunter Johnson (15) being sacked during the first half at Ryan Field. Johnson (Photo credit: David Banks — USA TODAY Sports)
Johnson, who had not played since the team’s Nov. 2 loss at Indiana, has battled a myriad of injuries and off-the-field issues this season. To say the least, this year has not gone as planned for Johnson. Unfortunately, his misfortunes continued in Saturday’s game.
Johnson was rendered unable to complete a single pass and subject to relentless pressure thanks to poor offensive line play. The redshirt sophomore was sacked three times, the third of which knocked him out of the game with concussion-like symptoms as characterized by the ABC broadcast.
That meant the quarterbacking duties fell to Marty.
Despite the short notice, Marty played the most complete game by a Northwestern quarterback all season, throwing for 95 yards and one touchdown on 8-of-10 passing, while punching into two rushing touchdowns at the goal line.
“I was proud of Andrew for stepping up and getting his first real experience,” said Fitzgerald of Marty’s performance. “I’m just happy for him. He’s worked really hard and he’s a great young man. My hope is that he gains confidence through the experience and it’s great fuel and motivation for him as he moves forward in his career.”
Any momentum the ‘Cats had from the end of the first half failed to carry over in the second half, as Minnesota continued to keep pace with Northwestern, despite Marty’s best efforts.
Minnesota wide receiver Tyler Johnson (6) catches a pass as Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Trae Williams (3) defends him. (Photo credit: David Banks — USA TODAY Sports)
Rashod Bateman and Tyler Johnson each caught a touchdown pass, and Michael Lantz contributed a 37-yard field goal to end a clock-killing fourth-quarter drive.
Bateman’s three touchdown receptions were the most in one game in his career.
The Gophers’ endless depth on both sides of the ball choked a banged-up, inexperienced Northwestern team. The Gophers split 217 rushing yards on 39 carries among three running backs
Northwestern, on the other hand, was forced to rely on two freshmen running backs against a top-30 rushing defense.
To say Northwestern never had a chance to upset Minnesota would be an overstatement. But without a deluge of unforced errors, it’s hard to see how the Wildcats could have ever overcome such a severe talent disparity.
As the sun sets on Northwestern’s reign as Big Ten West champions, a new insurgent team stands in the wings, ready to assume the title.
“If you want to be a Big Ten West champ, you got to beat the Big Ten West champ,” said Fleck.
What’s Next:
Northwestern at Illinois (Saturday, Nov. 30 @ TBD)
Minnesota at #12 Wisconsin (Saturday, November 30 @ 2:30 p.m. on ABC)
