Baltimore Ravens performance in 2021 NFL Draft: 3 big things

The Baltimore Ravens are having a fairly strong showing in the 2021 NFL Draft. Here are three big things to think about:

1. Rashod Bateman is a game-changer:

Rashod Bateman is a game-changing talent for the Baltimore Ravens. Bateman may not be the number one receiver in his rookie season, but he will have a major impact on the offense. Quite frankly, the Ravens have never had a prospect with this much to be excited about as a wide receiver. When the Ravens drafted Marquise Brown cautious optimism was the most sensible route. When the Ravens drafted Bateman it was worth a parade.

Bateman is a perfect complement to Brown. They both provide the ability to take the top off the defense. While Bateman offers some of the same positives as Brown, he offers everything that Brown doesn’t. Bateman is the eventual number one receiver of the Ravens. He has a chance to be a superstar. As a rookie, the expectations shouldn’t be that lofty. He’s joining an offense that looks at the run game like most teams see the passing game after all.

We’ll have to wait and see the volume of Bateman’s statistical input, though it’s safe to say that this changes things for the offense. The Ravens now have a young receiver who can win a one-on-one matchup on the outside. They have a player who can bring in the jump ball, one who becomes a running back after the catch.

Drafting Bateman won’t make an overnight change of Greg Roman’s offense. That being said, having him and Sammy Watkins changes the menu of the passing game. The selection of Bateman along with the coaching staff additions of Keith Williams and Tee Martin shows that the Ravens know what direction they have to go in. The Ravens will become a better passing team. Lamar Jackson is the biggest winner of the Ravens’ draft so far.