The Baltimore Ravens selected Rashod Bateman 27th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. Marquise Brown, another former first-round draft pick, was a disappointment last season. What is Bateman’s fantasy football outlook, and is the rookie WR of value at his current ADP?
Rashod Bateman’s fantasy outlook for 2021
Brown had a disappointing 2020 season after being touted as a breakout candidate. He was inconsistent and not on the same page as quarterback Lamar Jackson. In 2020, Brown did not have any WR1 finishes, frustrating fantasy managers. He only averaged 6.2 targets, 3.6 receptions, 48 receiving yards, and 11.4 PPR fantasy points per game and appeared one-dimensional on film.
Baltimore didn’t invest in the wide receiver position heading into last season, but that changed this year. The Ravens selected Bateman as their new alpha receiver after enjoying a phenomenal career at Minnesota.
Bateman’s impressive collegiate body of work
Bateman had initially opted out when it appeared the Big Ten would not play last fall. Then, he opted back in and appeared in five games only to opt-out once more due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic.
He finished the 2020 season with 36 receptions, 472 receiving yards, and 2 touchdowns. Back in 2019, Bateman stockpiled 1,219 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, generating yards after the catch and breaking tackles.
Bateman had at least 1 reception in all 31 games he played, ranking fifth in school history. He finished his collegiate career with 147 receptions, 2,395 receiving yards (sixth in school history), and 19 touchdowns (fifth). He amassed 10 100-yard receiving games in his Golden Gopher career, fourth-most in the Minnesota record books. Will Bateman be able to reach his potential in Baltimore?
Baltimore believes in running the football
The Ravens have deployed a run-heavy approach for four years in a row. Last season, Baltimore led the league in rushing attempts (34.6) and rushing yards (192) per game.
Jackson is a major contributor to the running game, but his pass volume leaves much to be desired. The Ravens ranked 32nd in pass attempts (26) and passing yards (172) per game last season, which is unlikely to change in 2021.
Last season, Baltimore’s targets (188) and receiving air yards (2,190) flowed through Brown and tight end Mark Andrews. Jackson and the offense may not be able to support more than two fantasy-relevant receivers.
Bateman is now expected to miss time with a soft tissue injury that will require surgery. Brown is also dealing with an injury of his own (hamstring). This opens the door for receivers Miles Boykin and newly-signed free agent Sammy Watkins to step up.
Fantasy projection
Bateman projects for around 65 targets, 42 receptions, 550 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns in 2021. His soft tissue injury could linger into the early part of the season.
Rashod Bateman’s ADP
Bateman is readily available in around the 15th round of 12-team fantasy drafts when reviewing redraft ADP data from Fleaflicker (178.5). He has a very similar ADP in pay-to-play fantasy formats such as the National Fantasy Championship, where he has an ADP of 177.99. However, he is going almost two rounds earlier in half PPR leagues on Sleeper, with an ADP of 153.2.
Should you draft Bateman in 2021?
Bateman is an excellent receiver to stash on your bench. He has the potential to be a difference-maker as the season progresses. However, it’s important to have the right expectations about Bateman’s fantasy production in redraft formats. On the other hand, he is an excellent player to target in dynasty leagues.
