Rashod Bateman Reportedly Runs 4.39 40-YD Dash

Wide receiver, Rashod Bateman, is known for a lot of things. What he did to help put the Minnesota Gophers football program on the map from 2018-2020, will never be forgotten. And his name is all over the U of M record books to prove it. Now, the Georgia native is preparing for April’s NFL Draft.

Without the normal NFL Combine activities and testing numbers to carefully comb through in 2021 (thanks COVID), prospects like Bateman will be left to their individual pro-days to showcase their skillset in front of NFL scouts.

Well, there are other creative ways to get your name and testing numbers out there. Like, when a little birdie tells ESPN’s Field Yates that you ran a laser-timed 4.39 40-yard dash recently.

Few wide receivers in this year's draft know how to just get open better than Minnesota's Rashod Bateman, who is also so physical and plays with an edge.

He recently ran a laser-timed 4.39 40 at 6-2 and 210 pounds too. He's a big play waiting to happen. pic.twitter.com/VMfE2YJs5W

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 3, 2021

Receipts?

This tweet came out of left field and has me in need of receipts. I really hope Bateman can run a sub 4.40 40-yd-dash and I’ve covered Rashod and seen him make a lot of big plays, but he’s never stuck out as that type of receiver.

How fast is Rashod Bateman’s reported time? It would have put him into a tie for a top-5 spot in last year’s NFL combine. In 2019, wide receivers ran the 40-yd-dash at a 4.50 average clip.

At the end of the day, Bateman can prove me wrong when he runs at his pro day. Rashod is active on his Instagram account so I’d love to see the video posted there. If it is, I’ll be sure to add the evidence into this blog and apologize for ever doubting Agent Zero. I’m sure scouts would love to see such proof too…

Bateman’s ability to track the football and win at the catch point flash just as much as his smooth breaks and easy acceleration off the line of scrimmage. While he’s not a true burner, there should be no concerns regarding separation ability thanks to a diverse release package and effectiveness at the top of route stems in a number of ways.

The Draft Network

If I had to guess, I’d say this info was “leaked” by his agent and you’d think a camera would have been rolling when it happened. If he proves us wrong and runs a 4.40 with proof, I’ll file an official request to have “burner” added to his profile at TheDraftNetwork.com, among others.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan