With The First Pick
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Scouting the 2021 NFL Draft: Minnesota’s Rashod Bateman

By Seth Steere

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 23: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers makes a catch for a touchdown in front of Travis Whillock #7 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Ryan Field on November 23, 2019 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 23: Rashod Bateman #13 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers makes a catch for a touchdown in front of Travis Whillock #7 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the first quarter at Ryan Field on November 23, 2019 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /
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Scouting the 2021 NFL Draft: Minnesota's Rashod Bateman
2021 NFL Draft prospect Rashod Bateman (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images /

Where Rashod Bateman Wins

Let’s start from the beginning shall, we.

Right out the of gate Bateman is working to get on the cornerback’s toes forcing him to make a decision one way or another. He doesn’t stick in one place with his release but rather works downhill at the corner. Bateman is very balanced in his stance and it allows him to get out and into his route in an instant.

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Once Bateman gets off the line-of-scrimmage his technical savvy does not fall. After working leverage at the line, he doesn’t stop and continues to stack the receiver before breaking off his route. He excels at getting his hips down quickly and making smooth transitions in and out of his breaks.

Another key element to Bateman’s route running prowess is his eyes. He is able to sell routes and get to the corner to commit with his eyes alone. Bateman is extremely nuanced on vertical routes as well, he keeps his eyes forward allowing him to maintain his top-speed and separate from the corner and then finding and tracking the football to his hands.

Lastly, Bateman has phenomenal ball skills. He has great focus at the catch-point despite footsteps and contact. He is able to go outside of his frame and snag the ball out of the air before defenders have a chance. In deep ball situations, as stated above, he finds himself catching balls in stride and if underthrown grabbing it at its highest point.

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