Browns target Rashod Bateman. Mandatory credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Cleveland Browns made a point of addressing most of their positions of need in the free agency, leaving only passing the rusher as a priority to secure at the start of the NFL’s 2021 Draft. With more free agency left, the Browns could still guarantee that. An underestimated need that will be addressed in the first two days of the NFL’s 2021 Draft is the position of the wide receiver.
As the event approaches, there is a highly tempting player that the Browns should select if he falls on his laps: Minnesota wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
Why the Browns shouldn’t run away from Bateman
A year ago, despite having Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup in their lineup, the Dallas Cowboys still selected the Oklahoma CeeDee Lamb wide receiver when he fell into his lap. Even with Jarvis Landry, Odell Beckham Jr., Donovan Peoples-Jones and the rehiring of Rashard Higgins, the Browns will have to deal with the position in early April.
Since the Browns are 26th in the draft, there are two players they should consider doing this with as well. Not only is Bateman a threat, but Ole Miss’ Elijah Moore is also a dynamic weapon for the target. Here, however, we focus on Bateman.
Another reason why the Browns should consider taking Bateman, who will be the best player available if he is still on the board at the end of the first round, is because the team sitting behind them will do so if they don’t. As the Baltimore Ravens has the 27th overall choice in the draft and needs a wide receiver, the Browns will be forced with the dilemma of catching Bateman or playing it twice a year.
Let’s take a deeper look at Bateman here.