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Analyzing the most commonly mocked Saints’ 2021 NFL Draft prospects

By Justin Dunbar

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 11: New Orleans Saints Vice President and General Manager Mickey Loomis walks on the field during pre-game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 11, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 11: New Orleans Saints Vice President and General Manager Mickey Loomis walks on the field during pre-game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on September 11, 2016 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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Saints' Jameis Winston
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

WR Rashod Bateman

  • Mock Draft Share: 5% (T-6th)
  • EDP Rank: 31st
  • Draft Model Rank: 25th

Generally, with Jameis Winston, you want wide receivers who can win in the vertical passing game, as he likely will have one of, if not the highest average depth of target in the NFL next season.

That would be Rashod Bateman, therefore, an obvious fit. At Minnesota, he averaged over 20 yards per reception in 2019 as a sophomore, in total posting 1219 yards.

Unlike Toney and Moore, there are no questions about Bateman’s ability to win on the outside. It’s what he did in 2019, and his release packages, route-running, and contested-catch skills are seen as positive skills in his game.

What sets him apart from other typical “contested-catch” players, however, is his abilities after the catch. It’s a little like Michael Thomas from what I can tell in that you wouldn’t project him to be as strong there as he is, but, then again, he also ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, so athleticism isn’t a question.

Surprisingly, Bateman measured in at 6-foot-0 and 190 pounds, which is far smaller than expected and would make him similar in size to Toney, who is seen as a slot gadget player.

However, his overall athletic profile complements his production winning at the most valuable areas, and I’m sure fantasy owners will appreciate his 95th percentile breakout age, 87th percentile target share, and overall strong numbers in college.

He’s as consistent as it gets, and it’s easy to see him being a Day 1 impact for a team, which is huge at a valuable position. Why not the Saints?

Grade: 9.98/10

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