Rashod Bateman Reflects On Rookie Season And Explains What's Next For The Ravens

For any former rookie in the NFL, their second offseason is night and day from their first one. In exchange for times when they were unsettled and readjusting to the evolving speed of the pro level, they've gained a calmer sense of who they are, what to expect, and why it's happening. It's a reality most commonly seen by wide receivers, and Rashod Bateman is a prime example.

The 2021 first-round pick out of the University of Minnesota joined the Baltimore Ravens with clear expectations--- to become a very reliable target for former MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. Standing at 6-foot-1 with sure hands and capable of running a 4.43 40-yard dash, Bateman immediately boosted the AFC North competitor's offense. But it was towards the end of last season that the NFL understood why.

Despite missing his first five games, the Tifton, GA native finished with 46 catches, 515 receiving yards, and his first NFL touchdown--- scored in Week 16 against the eventual AFC Champion, Cincinnati Bengals. "Throughout everything I experienced last year, I learned what it meant to be patient," Bateman told me. "Letting everything play out was the best thing."

Coming off of a rookie campaign where both his catches and receiving yards were top-ten across a stellar wide receiver draft class, Bateman's expectations have only increased again. After wide receiver Marquise Brown was traded to the Arizona Cardinals on draft night, all eyes are on the Minnesota product to step up and show out. But don't expect Bateman to take that for granted.

"If it's God's will and we're healthy, we can do some special things," Bateman told me. "Our entire organization is good from top to bottom; we've been through a lot, and most importantly, we're hungry." As the NFL off-season continues, Bateman and the Ravens will continue to build towards what could be another competitive season in the DMV.

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