I have recently joined the East West Football Network, along with Alex Greb, and we will regularly be posting scouting reports. If you like the content, feel free to check out the Bold Take Scouting Podcast that we cohost, as well as our Instagram page @boldtakescouting!
Today we are focusing on Rashod Bateman, the star wide receiver for Minnesota who was first team All-Big Ten in 2019. Measuring 6’2″ 210 lbs, Bateman is a big target, but he has a lot more than size to his advantage. Let’s look at the film!
Strengths: Bateman consistently gains separation, particularly by utilizing his impressively polished route running. Right off the snap, Bateman possesses a variety of savvy releases to beat press coverage and get instant separation. Throughout the route, Bateman is very precise and clean, as well as deceptive. His fantastic field awareness and feel shaking coverage allows him to sell subtle yet convincing fakes. Bateman also gets a lot of separation on double moves, and may be the best in the country in that department. He can additionally get separation late in the route with strong handwork to get free. Bateman has very strong hands, and is clearly confident in them. He catches everything with his hands, fearlessly works the middle of the field, and does not slow down and gather before the catch, rather accelerating through the break point. He possesses impressive concentration in traffic and is also adept at coming down with contested catches, using his height, hands, and alpha mentality to attack the ball in the air and consistently bring it down. This will make him a very reliable sideline and red zone target. Bateman is very underrated after the catch, where he uses his trademark physicality and aggression to break tackles and gain yards that most receivers would not. This is especially evident on underneath and intermediate throws. Bateman’s high-level instincts and football IQ are on display when the play breaks down, as he routinely adjusts and offers his scrambling quarterback an option. Bateman will be able to play on the perimeter or in the slot in the NFL, and will present a size mismatch for many defensive backs.
Weaknesses: Bateman has only average speed, which won’t confine him to the slot at the next level but does contrast him with the athletic profiles of many elite receivers in the NFL. Additionally, he builds up speed rather than showcasing instant acceleration and burst off the line and out of breaks. Like many tall receivers, Bateman has some hip tightness, so he won’t turn around cornerbacks with his hip flip. Bateman is very physical, and he’ll have to learn to become more subtle in this regard to avoid flags in the NFL.
Bottom Line: Bateman is a very well-rounded and polished wide receiver, and his projection consequently does not involve much of a leap of faith regarding future development. He may not have the athletic profile of other top receivers, but I am confident that with his route running, size, physicality, and hands he can become a Pro Bowl receiver.
Draft Projection: Mid-late Round 1
