Rashod Bateman Makes Good First Impression on Ravens HC John Harbaugh

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Photo: Shawn Hubbard - Baltimore Ravens

NFL rookie mini camps are in full-swing this weekend and that means coaches across the league are seeing their 2021 draft picks practicing under organizational umbrellas for the first time. Some of those rookies are everything they’ve been cracked up to be, and more. Others will be a disappointment from day 1. Well, Baltimore Ravens head coach, John Harbaugh, spoke with media on Saturday and appeared relieved to find out that his first round draft pick, Rashod Bateman, fell into the “as advertised” category.

First impressions are very positives. You know, he’s a no-nonsense guy, he’s got a nice demeanor about him and he’s a quick learner. Everything we thought he would be in terms of the athleticism and the skill set. You know, that’s usually the case but not always the case. What you see isn’t always what you get. You don’t know until you get him out there in, really, the first rookie mini camp. And I would say he’s ‘as advertised’ from a talent standpoint..

Jim Harbaugh talking about rookie WR Rashod Bateman

From Gopher to Raven

Rashod Bateman was drafted 27th overall by the Ravens last month and he’s been all over their social media scene since. Agent Zero will wear 12 on his uniform and the Baltimore staff hopes he can help the growth of their young QB, Lamar Jackson.

Bateman left the University of Minnesota with the 6th most yards, 5th most touchdowns and 6th most receptions in school history. He played just three seasons, one of which was shortened and thrown into a blender by COVID-19. Rashod is the first Gopher to be drafted in the first round since Laurence Maroney was taken #21 overall in 2006 by the Denver Broncos.

Bateman is universally seen as a top-4 wide receiver in school history, mentioned in the same conversations as Tyler Johnson, Eric Decker and Ron Johnson.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

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