One of the Baltimore Ravens’ offseason happenings that kind of got swept under the rug is what went down with Rashod Bateman. After a tremendously disappointing 2025 campaign, posts surfaced on one of Bateman’s Instagram accounts complaining about his usage. He said he was hacked, but also added he agreed with some of what was posted.
It’s clear Bateman was disgruntled last year, and while a new coaching staff led by Jesse Minter should smooth things over, it’s becoming evident that he may not be the wide receiver no. 2 that Baltimore was hoping he’d become.
Still, Minter seems adamant that Bateman can bounce back from his 19-reception, 224-yard season last year. He sounded hopeful about what 2026 could hold for the 26-year-old when asked about it during team meetings.
“I got a lot of confidence in Rashod Bateman,” Minter said. “I know he’s hungry, he’s ready to get back to what he is…And a lot of confidence in that whole [wide receiver] room. Just to continue to grow, opportunities for young players, really excited about them, and I think they’ll be a big part of our offense.”
Yes, there’s still potential with Bateman and others like Devontez Walker, but it shouldn’t change Baltimore’s draft plans. They need a receiver, and should take one with one of their first two picks.
Jesse Minter’s optimism can’t overshadow Baltimore Ravens’ urgent wide receiver need
Bateman has been wildly inconsistent since being drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. It seemed he finally broke out in 2024 with 45 receptions, 756 yards, and nine touchdowns, which earned him a three-year, $36.75 million extension. Unfortunately, he followed that up with a career-worst campaign in 2025.
Bateman’s injuries and lack of effort at times popped up once again last year. He may still be a nice third wideout or rotational piece, but the Ravens desperately need someone to pair with Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers. They need a physical threat on the outside, and one who could be a trusted playmaker to make life easier for Jackson and take the pressure off Flowers.
Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson seems like the perfect piece to solve the issue. After a free agency period that saw a lack of starting offensive additions, it’d be smart to go in that direction in the first or second round.
If Tyson falls, his physicality would be the dream fit in new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle’s offense. If he doesn’t fall, Day 2 options like Louisville’s Chris Bell or Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt could make sense.
Hopefully, Bateman does bounce back. He’s flashed as a deep threat, and if the pass protection can hold up once, maybe he could replicate his 2024 success. With that being said, that shouldn’t take wide receiver off the table in the 2026 NFL Draft. It remains a significant need.