The Baltimore Ravens improved their wideout roster for 2023 in an attempt to satisfy quarterback Lamar Jackson and obtain more offensive weapons.
The team made it to the AFC Championship game but fell short against the eventual champion Kansas City Chiefs.
One of the longest-tenured receivers will be back again next year as the Ravens try to make it over the proverbial hump. And coach John Harbaugh thinks Rashod Bateman could have a very good season next year.
“I think Rashod Bateman is going to take a big step,” told reporters on Tuesday at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. “Rashod is going to get opportunities this year. He ran routes really well. He worked super hard.
"He was healthy for the first time – even as the year went on, he got healthier, and you could see it in his play. The ball got to him, [and] when it did, he made some great plays. The ball is going to get to him a lot more next year. He’s going to be ready to go.”
Bateman has been slowed by injuries since being drafted No. 27 overall in 2021.
But last season, the University of Minnesota product played in a career-high 16 games after playing in just 12 each of the previous two years. He also tallied 32 catches for 367 yards and one touchdown.
Bateman was competing for targets with Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers last year and at times got lost in the offense. But in 2024, Beckham Jr. will most likely be gone, and Bateman's role could be increased.
More must-reads: