Rashod Bateman Taken in 1st Round of Latest NFL Mock Draft by Bleacher Report

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Photo: Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

There is a lot of talk about the Minnesota Gopher football team going into this season. Not only locally, but nationally too, the stellar season the Gophers had last year has brought some additional spotlight on the Maroon and Gold.

One individual player that seems to be grasping more attention than others, is wide receiver, Rashod Bateman. The Georgia native is a 2020 preseason second team All-American and someone who is expected to dominate the Big Ten.

Bateman has totaled 111 receptions, 1923 receiving yards, and 17 TD in just two seasons with the Gophers. It won’t stop there’s, with all the signs pointing to another dominant season. Rashod Bateman enters the 2020 season as Gopher football’s #1 target, with Tyler Johnson departing for the NFL. To make things even scarier for opponents, Bateman will come back to the same starting QB, Tanner Morgan.

NFL Draft Outlook

As I mentioned before, Rashod Bateman is starting to get the recognition that he deserves. Today, Bleacher Report mocked Bateman at 18th overall to the Tennessee Titans, in their “Way-Too-Early 2021 NFL Mock Draft”.

This would be the first time a University of Minnesota WR was selected in the first round. This would also make Bateman the highest selected Gopher since (C) Brian Williams was drafted by the New York Giants 18th overall in 1989.

If Rashod Bateman were to be selected by the Titans, pairing him with former Ole Miss standout A.J. Brown could lead to one of the most entertaining brands of football the Titans have ever played. See for yourself.

It looks like Bleacher Report is not alone in putting Bateman in the top 20. A mock draft from CBS Sports back in April also has Bateman going 18th overall to the Titans.

QB Prospects

It is also worth noting that NDSU QB Trey Lance is projected to be drafted #7 overall to the Detroit Lions. This is amazing news, because it guarantees the Lions will remain in the basement of the NFC North for years to come.

However, one name missing from this mock NFL Draft is Tanner Morgan. I am not too worried about that. After Morgan leads the maroon and gold to the College Football Playoff this year, I fully expect him to switch spots with Lance.

Unfortunately, there is still a long time until the 2021 NFL Draft. Until then, Gopher fans everywhere should tune in every Saturday to watch the best WR in Gopher Football history take the field.

Cameron Thompson | Minnesota Sports Fan

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