1. The Ravens might have something special in Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace
Perhaps no rookie made more of an impact during minicamp than first-round pick Rashod Bateman did. Bateman looked the part of an NFL receiver with smooth route-running and sticky hands.
His impressive performance prompted head coach John Harbaugh to insist that he was “as advertised” this weekend and it’s clear that Baltimore has big plans for Bateman in 2021.
But Bateman wasn’t the only rookie receiver making plays this weekend.
Fourth-round pick Tylan Wallace made a strong first impression as well running crisp routes and catching nearly everything that came his way.
The former Oklahoma State star faces a bit of an uphill battle adjusting to the NFL on the fly after playing in a relatively simple offensive system in college. The Ravens are deep at receiver, but Wallace is going to push for playing time.
The top trio of Marquise Brown, Sammy Watkins, and Bateman is set. But the battle for the remaining wide receiver spots will be an interesting one to follow.
Devin Duvernay is a player who many have been pushing to see more snaps on offense in 2021, but don’t be surprised if Wallace finds himself rocketing up the depth chart before long.
It’s safe to say that the Ravens must be very pleased with the play of their two rookie wide receivers after the first weekend of organized team activities.
Bateman and Wallace could be a force for years to come.