The Minnesota Gophers football program has started to produce early round draft talent over the last few seasons. Wide Receiver Rashod Bateman is no exception to that, becoming the first at his position to be drafted in the first-round out of Minnesota.
The Baltimore Ravens selected the former Gophers star with the 27th overall pick on Thursday night. It was clear they were looking to add another weapon for Lamar Jackson throughout the draft, and they may have found a steal in the back end of the first-round.
Bateman had his breakout season in 2019 where he hauled in 60 catches for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns. Despite not playing the full season in 2020, Bateman had an outstanding pro day where he ran a 4.39 40-yard dash.
Although he was the fifth wide receiver off the board, Bateman will be an impact player for the Ravens from day one. In an offense that already has a former league MVP surrounded by young talent, Bateman will fit right in.
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