Minnesota Wideout Rashod Bateman Could Make The Green Bay Packers’ Aerial Attack Scary

Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman pulls down a reception over Iowa defensive back Jack Koerner ... [+] in 2019.

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Note: The NFL Draft begins April 29 and the Green Bay Packers have the 29^th pick in the first round. Between now and then, I’ll examine 29 players — one per day — the Packers could select with that pick.

Today, we look at Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman.

RASHOD BATEMAN, WR, MINNESOTA

THE SKINNY

Bateman was lightly recruited most of his high school career in Tifton, Ga. He blew up as a senior with 21 touchdown receptions and 1,539 receiving yards and many SEC schools quickly offered scholarships. But Bateman picked Minnesota, which was the first school to make him an offer.

Bateman set Minnesota freshman records in 2018 with 51 receptions, 704 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Bateman then erupted as a sophomore when he caught 60 passes for 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Bateman played in just five games as a junior, before opting out due to COVID-19 concerns. In that time, though, Bateman hauled in 36 passes for 472 yards and two TDs.

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MEASURABLES

Height: 6-0 3/8”

Weight: 190

Bench press: N/A

40-yard dash: 4.39

Vertical jump: 36”

Broad jump: 10’3”

Arms: 33”

Hands: 9 1/2”

SCOUTING REPORT

Bateman can play outside and in the slot. And for a Green Bay team that hasn't had a true slot receiver since Randall Cobb departed after the 2018 season, Bateman could be an immediate contributor from that spot.

Bateman’s route running is sublime and he uses a handful of releases to beat press coverage. Bateman shocked scouts at his pro day by running the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, but maybe that shouldn’t have been such a surprise when you see him separate on deep routes.

Bateman attacks the ball in the air and possesses strong hands. He’s also extremely physical after the catch and can use his physicality to overwhelm defenders.

On the downside, Bateman measured nearly two inches shorter and 20 pounds lighter than he was listed at Minnesota. He also struggled at Minnesota when he saw elite cornerbacks.

PACKERS’ PREDICAMENT

In the last nine seasons, the Packers have taken just one wide receiver in the first two rounds. That was 2014, when Green Bay used a second-round pick on Davante Adams.

While Adams has blossomed into a star, the rest of Green Bay’s wide receiver group remains subpar.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling has big play ability, but had a drop rate of 11.8% last season. Allen Lazard is serviceable, but is slow and best suited to be a No. 3. Equanimeous St. Brown had a drop rate of 31.3% and can’t stay healthy.

In addition, MVS, St. Brown and Devin Funchess — who sat out the 2020 season due to COVID concerns — are all unrestricted free agents after the 2021 campaign. So, the Packers need to start adding replacements.

THEY SAID IT

NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks on Bateman: “Bateman's playing style is like watching (Minnesota’s) Justin Jefferson go to work on the perimeter. He utilizes every trick in the book and consistently finds a way to get open against man or zone coverage. Bateman's combination of exceptional stop-start quickness and savvy route-running techniques make him a difficult guard on the perimeter, particularly as he moves around to take advantage of favorable matchups.”

Bateman, on his pro day: “I just hope that I showed them that I'm a first-round draft pick. I came out here and I ran fast and I performed at my best. I ran good routes. I did good in all the drills. I think I solidified myself, but at the end of the day, if that doesn't happen, I'm just here to play football.”

Midwest scout told NFL.com: “"The production looks good on paper, but I was at a couple of his games in 2019 and I just wanted to feel (his presence) more.”