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

By Cory Kinnan

Nov 13, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman (0) rushes with the ball after making a catch in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2020; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Rashod Bateman (0) rushes with the ball after making a catch in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Browns target Rashod Bateman. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Bateman’s fit with the Browns

Having both Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry on the roster, nor re-signing Rashard Higgins or drafting Donovan Peoples-Jones a year ago should prohibit the Browns from taking Bateman if he falls into their laps. Free agency is for filling needs, the NFL Draft is for adding the best talent available to your roster.

Bateman can win both down the field and underneath of coverage. While his athletic ability is not over-the-top, Bateman wins with technique and savvy in order to separate from defensive backs as he attacks offensively.

If Bateman were to fall to the Browns, there is little doubt he would be the best player available. Besides, the Browns will face uncertainty again at the wide receiver position next offseason with Higgins hitting the market, and either Landry or Beckham Jr. more than likely hitting the door.

Matthew Valdovinos of Pro Football Network thinks the Browns could be within striking distance of Bateman:

"“Despite the difficulties of the 2020 season, Rashod Bateman is still a first-round 2021 NFL Draft prospect. Given the perceived strength of the 2021 NFL WR class, it’s hard to predict just how high the NFL will value Bateman. However, he should be considered as the front-runner for the WR4 spot. The most likely scenario seems to be a selection somewhere between picks 15-28.”"

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Having a receiver like Bateman who can win both in the slot and outside the numbers with a diverse route tree will make the Golden Gopher a day-one threat in the brown and orange. Besides, you either take him with the 26th pick in the draft, or you play him twice per year for the foreseeable future. The Browns and Bateman are a match made in heaven.

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