Washington Football Team: 3 option with 19th pick in 2021 NFL Draft

1. Rashod Bateman, WR, Minnesota

With the first option for the Washington Football Team, I have them targeting wide receiver.
The top three consensus receivers won’t make it to 19, but Rashod Bateman here would be a great option. Bateman has flown under the radar this season because of all the buzz DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle have drawn.

Bateman was the talk of the summer among draft analysts with his breakout season at Minnesota in 2019. He finished the year with 60 receptions, 1,219 yards, and 11 touchdowns. Minnesota was only able to play five games in 2020, but Bateman could still grab 36 receptions, 472 yards, and two touchdowns.

Rashod is one of complete receivers in this class, with no weakness in his game. He gets unwarranted criticism for being a ‘good at everything, great at nothing” guy, but it’s a lazy narrative to put on a talented player. Bateman brings everything you want in a receiver, starting with elite separation skills. He can win at the line of scrimmage with his release and footwork.

Bateman excels at getting leverage downfield and being able to turn defenders by getting in their blind spots. Bateman has the size and speed you look for at six-foot-one 210 pounds. One of his best traits is his ability to make difficult catches. He’s got great hands and length to extend outside of his body.

The Washington Football Team already has a premier number one receiver in Terry McLaurin, but Bateman can become a WR2 right away. There are too many holes in this receiver room not to add Bateman here. This pick will open up the offense downfield and draw some attention away from McLaurin.