3. RASHOD BATEMAN, MINNESOTA
There may not be a better route runner returning to college football than Rashod Bateman, and he has excelled against defensive backs in off coverage, averaging over 14 yards per target when the defense chooses to give themselves a cushion.
Bateman finished the 2019 campaign 13th in PFF receiving grade at 89.0, and with his elite route-running, Bateman has produced the third-highest rate of receiving plays of 15-plus yards at 37.9% — over 18% above the FBS average.
As we’ve covered elsewhere, the three biggest things you want to see from a wide receiver are the ability to create separation with route running, the ability to win in contested situations and the ability to produce after the catch. Bateman is one of few returning wide receivers who did all three of these at a high level in 2019; he ranked in the top 20 in contested-catch rate and broken tackles while producing an above-average rate of targets with a step or more of separation downfield.
www.pff.com
There may not be a better route runner returning to college football than Rashod Bateman, and he has excelled against defensive backs in off coverage, averaging over 14 yards per target when the defense chooses to give themselves a cushion.
Bateman finished the 2019 campaign 13th in PFF receiving grade at 89.0, and with his elite route-running, Bateman has produced the third-highest rate of receiving plays of 15-plus yards at 37.9% — over 18% above the FBS average.
As we’ve covered elsewhere, the three biggest things you want to see from a wide receiver are the ability to create separation with route running, the ability to win in contested situations and the ability to produce after the catch. Bateman is one of few returning wide receivers who did all three of these at a high level in 2019; he ranked in the top 20 in contested-catch rate and broken tackles while producing an above-average rate of targets with a step or more of separation downfield.
Top 25 wide receivers returning to college football in 2020
The 2020 NFL Draft’s receiving class is arguably the best in history, but that doesn’t mean college football will be short on receiving talent next season.
www.pff.com
