Browns: Rashod Bateman too good to pass up in 2021 NFL Draft

Bateman’s scouting report continued

Separation (22/25)

Bateman is the smartest wide receiver in this draft class with his ability to create separation at the top of his routes. He shows the ability to be a proficient hand fighter down the field and shows subtly to get an added step at the top of his routes by producing a hidden nudge. Off the line of scrimmage, Bateman has limited issues beating press-man coverage, using both active and taunting feet in order to force defensive backs onto their heels and freezing them; his hands match his feet in order to get a clean release. He thrives at melting into holes in zone coverage in order to give his quarterback a clean target.

Ball tracking/body control (13.75/15)

Working through contact deep down the field and around the boundary, Bateman is extraordinary at flipping his hips, turning back to the ball, and squaring his shoulders before initiating his hands at the catchpoint. Bateman tracks the football tremendously as well, getting underneath the football at a high rate. He thrives on back-shoulder throws, putting on display his ability to get his head and hips around to the football before reeling the ball in along the boundary.

YAC ability (6.75/10)

Bateman is not the most explosive or elusive receiver with the ball in his hands after the catch, however, he displays the ability to efficiently stick his foot in the ground and change directions. However, Bateman will not be mistaken for an extension of the run game or a massive weapon on manufactured touches at the next level. Bateman does have the decent linear speed to win races to the endzone, but he does not possess elite long speed to pull away from defenses in the open field.