The Baltimore Ravens made sure to upgrade their wide receiver corps during the offseason. Part of their remodeling efforts included selecting Rashod Bateman with the 27th overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson should like throwing to Bateman, as the former University of Minnesota receiver is a great route runner and can create space for himself often. When asked about Bateman, Jackson said he’s looked ‘great’ right now.

“Yes, he looks like you just said. You just said everything about him just now, pretty much. (laughter) He looks smooth, crisp route running, explosive guy. Man, he can catch the ball. We’ve just got to keep working. I don’t want to hype him up too fast. We’ve just got to, like I said, keep working right now. But he looks pretty good. He looks great right now.”

Jackson made sure not to hype up Bateman too much, but seems impressed with the rookie so far. As long as the receiver keeps working hard and learning the nuances of the NFL game, he should be able to provide Jackson with a solid pass catching option who he can trust.