Baltimore Ravens: 6 best comparisons to Rashod Bateman through two seasons

Through two seasons Rashod Bateman has not lived up to expectations, and most fans would agree with that sentiment. The question now becomes, is this the best the Baltimore Ravens will get out of Bateman, or is there still a chance that the last few years of his rookie deal can turn him into a long-term piece to build around?

While the track record of high draft picks struggling early in their careers and then having long and successful careers is not the highest there are plenty of scenarios where that does happen. Who are some players who have had similar starts to their careers as Bateman?

Can Baltimore Ravens see Rashod Bateman follow these career paths?

6. Davante Adams

Davante Adams was a bit more productive overall, but he also played in 11 more games than Rashod Bateman did over their first two seasons. While Adams does have him, it is only a few yards, and Bateman is more productive on a per-game basis.

The obvious difference is that Adams was not healthy, he just also was not producing much in that offense. Then, in his third NFL season, Adams posted 997 yards, more than his first two years combined. From that point on, it was a great career. So, for Bateman to be on the Adams path he would really have to show something next season.

5. Zay Jones

Zay Jones was viewed as a big threat and a player some were surprised fell as far as he did, even though he was the 37th overall pick. Still, he was drafted in a range close to Bateman and neither of them had 1,000 yards after their first two seasons.

Again, Zay Jones was healthier than Bateman so he was more productive overall, but Bateman was better on a per-game basis. Still, for Jones, it never quite came all the way together. He has turned into a stable option as a depth wideout, and last season he posted 823 yards with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Still, his career has turned out to be that of a depth wideout who can be reliable, but will never be your number-one threat. He also did not stick with the team that drafted him for very long, and his best days were on a different team.

4. Demaryius Thomas

Demaryius Thomas may be the best overall comparison when you look at it, and the best reason for optimism. The two had very similar stats, and both of them missed a lot of time with injuries during their first two years.

They are very similar, not only in overall production but on the game-by-game scale. Just like Davante Adams, it was a third-season charm for Thomas. He had 1,434 yards in his third season, and an excellent career took off from there. Thomas also stuck with the Denver Broncos long-term, which would be a great sign for Bateman, showing that two poor seasons do not mean the team should always give up.

3. Tyler Boyd

When you break down the skillset of Rashod Bateman and how his career may wind up, it actually does make sense to see Tyler Boyd as a comparable. He missed some time due to injury, but not as much as Bateman. Still, they had similar starts in their careers.

Boyd was slightly more productive, but not quite as solid per game as Bateman. However, just like Adams and Thomas, it did click in year three. Boyd posted 1,028 yards in just 14 games, one of the best years of his career.

Of course, he did stick around with the Bengals after his rookie deal, but his role did change. The additions of Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase have taken his role down a peg, but it also makes him one of the best number-three wideouts in the NFL. If Odell Beckham and Zay Flowers can stay healthy and progress we could see Bateman spend a year or two in the same role Boyd was just in. That could be good for his progression without as many high-end expectations.

2. Corey Davis

Corey Davis was drafted higher than Rashod Bateman and was facing more criticism after his first two seasons. His first season dealt with injuries, and his second season was pretty good, but it still left fans wanting more.

On a per-game basis, he is about as close to Rashod Bateman as you can see. He just played more games than Bateman this early into his career. The year three which was make or break for others was a down-year for Davis.

He has stuck around in the NFL, but he is the second name on this list that was not on the team that drafted him for their second contract. Both Zay Jones and Corey Davis were worse in year three statistically than in year two. If Bateman does not perform this year, he will not be back with the Ravens,m which is what history has suggested.

1. Robert Woods

Robert Woods is a very interesting comparison, especially when you think of the size and play style of both players. Still, Robert Woods did not have injuries, but also was not living up to his draft name.

He did have more raw production than Rashod Bateman, but you can see that the per-game metrics are nearly dead on. This could be a good comparison for a healthy Rashod Bateman. Unfortunately, it took him changing teams to find real success.

His third and fourth seasons with the Buffalo Bills were not the big steps forward that the team and fans wanted to see. Instead, he was plateauing. Then, he went to the Rams and had four of the best years of his career. Hopefully for Baltimore Ravens fans this is not the case.

Still, it is proving true that in all six situations, the third year was a make-or-break moment. The three players who performed well in year three signed extensions with the team that drafted them. The three players that struggled in year three found their way to new teams and became depth options, with Woods being the best.

Needless to say, this year has the chance to tell us everything we need to know about Rashod Bateman and his future with the Baltimore Ravens.